New Beginnings

The Witch’s Tree by Elena Collins is a marvellous dual timeline novel that completely enthralled me from the start.

The action is set in Somerset in 1682 and present day. Both time periods are linked by an old house in which each main character lives.

The leading ladies lives mirror each other as an invisible thread unites them down the years. Both have known betrayal and sadness.

The house retains an atmosphere down the years which has repelled many until one empathetic soul reaches out across the years.

Elena Collins has perfectly captured both time periods with her choice of words. 1682 was a time of poverty with many working the land. It was also a time of superstition and suspicion, as anything unknown was labelled as witchcraft. Many innocent women faced their accusers and were powerless to resist the made-up accusations.

I absolutely loved The Witch’s Tree. The characters were well drawn and easy to empathise with. The plotline was well thought out and intriguing.

Elena Collins is the pen name of author Judy Leigh, whose books I absolutely adore. I love her writing historical fiction too. If Judy Leigh/Elena Collins writes it, I am certainly going to read it. I adore all her books.

I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON