This story starts out letting the reader know that Hester is no ordinary girl, just like the river is no ordinary river. The river nymphs call to her to join them in the water, and she’s pulled away by a mysterious stranger before she can fall in. I love her wonderful description of the setting (I’m not sure of time and place) and character interaction within the text. Magical realism, history, folklore, green witchery, and adventure line the pages of this wonderful story!
I could not put this book down! I love spooky and historical books and this book was fire! I could not wait to dive into the story, and I could not put it down. I cannot think of enough good things to say about this book. It was one that I read in one sitting as I needed to know what was going to happen! I cannot wait to tell my friends about this book and have them fall in love with this story as well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-10-01 14:04:372022-10-02 13:02:33River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
From a young age Hester has always been different. She spends her time talking to the River. When she was only 4 years old, Hester met a strange man by the name of Aaron. He knows a lot about herbs and flowers and of their uses. He also can hear the voice of the river which is actually a goddess by the name of Sabrina.
Once Hester is older, her mind starts to wonder to the man she met years prior and of his knowledge. Her great grandmother healed the sick and hurt with her knowledge on plants and potions. Hester wants to be just like her. Hester decides to seek Aaron to teach her his ways. At first he is reluctant but once he realizes Hester will not stop until she gets her way, he decides to start lessons with her.
Hester’s mother has always been against natural remedies as it is seen as witch-like. She just wants Hester to be a normal lady, find a husband and birth his children. As Hester gets older, her mothers ambitions get stronger and Hester wants to flee the life her mother has laid out for her. She runs to Aaron only to find he agrees with her mother. He thinks it would be safer if they cease their lessons and Hester should go on to be a bride. This does not bode well with her and she decides to do everything in her power to get what she wants.
This book was not at all what I was expecting but in a good way. The synopsis doesn’t give this book justice. There is so much going on within the book and in different points of view which makes it even more interesting. I loved Hester, she was strong and independent (well as much as one could be in that day in age as a woman). She was determined and humble.
The only downfall for me personally is I found the book very repetitive. I found myself starting to read ahead when it started to say the same things which made immersing myself completely into the world hard.
A teenage runaway, New Orleans, 90s alt ballads, and emerging magical powers—this summer is shaping up to be anything but normal.
16-year-old Miranda Stone wants to be a typical teenager, but when she, and women around the globe, develop magical powers, typical flies right out the window.
Miranda, feeling like danger could be lurking, runs away to New Orleans. New friendships and a job singing as the opener for a drag show, reveal to her how fun life can be. When her friends begin to develop their own powers, and the world erupts, staying off the authorities’ radar becomes more difficult. An unforeseen romance with a young woman compounds the complications. Bittersweet, real, and humorous, this novel is an exploration of love, found family, and how the world might react to supernaturally powerful women.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/the-magical-summer.jpeg320213itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-09-30 00:06:202022-11-01 22:43:37🔎 📙 •☕️•📕 🔎 COMING SOON 🔍 📙 •☕️•📘 🔍 The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone (The Emergence Duology Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau
Hester is a farmer’s daughter who wants more out of her life. Hester meets Aaron who teaches her how to use herbs to heal. Hester is soon labeled as a witch by a man who feels he has been done wrong by her. She must save herself as well as others. This story drew me in more and more as I read it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paula Sayershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaula Sayers2022-09-29 09:36:202022-10-02 12:31:22River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Paula R Sayers
A beautifully written tale of magic and lore. We all hear tales from our perspective areas while growing up. Every place has at least one mystic tale. I love that this author took that and brought it to life. My great grandma was known as a “healer” when I was growing up, so some aspects of this story really hit home for me.
Hester is an ambitious girl, full of life and wanting more than just working on a farm. She is told stories by her father of a grandmother accused of being a witch because she would heal others with herbs. Hester hears the voice of the river, Sabrina, speak to her and finds herself wondering of the possibility of bringing that magic back and helping those that need it. She meets Aaron, who also speaks to the river and knows how to heal with herbs. Aaron has a dark past and is reluctant to help Hester, but does so at the insistence of Sabrina. Together they go on a beautiful journey of self discovery and growth.
This story flowed from the first page to the last. From darkness and heartbreak, to light and laughter, I felt it all as I was engulfed in the story. When I had to put the book down, I would find myself thinking about the characters, wondering what the pages would bring me next. This is definitely a beautiful read.
Well I like to find new authors and books that are not my usual genre. This book definitely fit the bill. I really enjoyed the authors world that she has created. I really enjoyed the way that the characters were written and how the story develops. I like the supernatural feel to the book.
The author does a great job of drawing the story inside of the reader’s mind. I really felt as though I was right there right beside them. I like how the book was well paced and drew me in. I will definitely read more from this author in future.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Dessalynn Acosta 5 out of 5 Stars
This BOOK! I am going to add it to my favorite novels. Such a great story, and beautifully written characters, a lovely fairy tale type story. Young Hester has always been interested in healing and helping others with herbs and very drawn to the river, who’s name is Sabrina. Hester meets Aaron, a stranger who is in tune with his herbal practices, as they begin lessons in a cottage by the river, Hester finds more than knowledge. The river, Sabrina, guides and leads Hester through her life and some of the most dramatic occurrences, including being labeled a witch and being heartbroken, can Hester survive the persecution and isolation?
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
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Misti Maggiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMisti Maggio2022-09-22 18:34:152022-09-23 09:49:03River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Misti Maggio
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 – 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
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.”
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.
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!
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2022-09-15 20:03:352022-09-17 11:54:48River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Helen Dawkins
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.
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.
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.
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2022-09-15 00:02:242022-09-15 08:01:48River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Lauren West
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Susan Ratchfordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSusan Ratchford2022-09-14 20:56:432022-09-15 08:16:11River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Susan Ratchford
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.
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2022-09-13 16:01:412022-09-14 10:30:20River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Jennifer Gordon
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.
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Toni Sellershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngToni Sellers2022-09-12 15:21:302022-09-15 07:55:29River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Toni Sellers
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.
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2022-09-11 00:12:412022-09-12 13:35:09River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Rayne East
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-09-10 23:22:492022-09-12 12:31:03River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Angela Hayes
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.
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 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.
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Google Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Other cookies
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
•
•
