River Witch (Book 1 in the Wise Women series)

Paperback

Cheryl Burman

'You and I are not ordinary folk, little mistress. We are wise. We call the river by her goddess name, Sabrina.'

Hester listens to the river's whispers and envies the freedom of the nymphs who ride the white horses of the tides. She yearns for more than the simple routine of the farm.

When a child in the village dies, Hester determines to follow in her great-grandmother's footsteps and learn the ways of healing. She persuades the reclusive Aaron, a stranger powerful in herbal lore - and more - to be her reluctant mentor.

But her mother scorns her daughter's ambitions as witchery and decrees Hester must marry. Any husband will do. The lustful fisherman, all manners with Mother, cannot wait to bed the fae and beautiful Hester.

Hester flees to Aaron, but he too insists she should marry and 'ordinary' folk. He understands too well what happens when those who hear the river succumb to her call.

Alone, in hiding, a desperate Hester battles for her dream. Can she trust the river to be her friend?

Inspired by the true story of Ellen Hayward, tried for witchcraft in the Forest of Dean in 1906.