The minister's daughter

I found this book interesting as a historical fiction novel, but I COULD NOT STAND the character of Grace, which says much about the writing skills the author. ( )

I love when books talk about heresy and heretics and this one didn’t disappoint! While it was sometimes slow, I bet it was carefully planned for us to get attached to Nell (the MC) and her granny because I truly did. They are so sweet and lovable though persecuted. Also, the ending...! It left me baffled and wanting more. Questioning, too. But the author made sure I would remember it even in my old days. I recommend it without a doubt! ( )

Very good. The ending was not at all what I expected. ( )

Narrated by Heather O'Neill. From jacket copy: Conceived on May Morning, Nell is claimed by the piskies and faeries as a merrybegot, one of their own. She is a wild child: herb gatherer and healer, spell-weaver and midwife...and some say, a witch. Grace is everything Nell is not. She is the Puritan minister's daughter: beautiful and refined, innocent and sweet-natured...to those who think the know her. But she is hiding a secret--a secret that will bring everlasting shame to her family should it ever come to light...two girls who could not have less in common. Yet their fates collide when Grace and her younger sister, Patience, are suddenly spitting pins, struck with fits, and speaking in fevered tongues. The minister is convinced his daughters are the victims of witchcraft. And all signs point to Nell as the source of the trouble.

I love this book. The plot is simple but perfectly worked out. What makes this book so special, though, is the rich quality of the prose. It's funny and earthy and poetic and tender. Julie Hearn is a very clever writer. ( )