The Good Life by Eleanor Porter #Review

 

It is back in time to Elizabethan England to Eleanor Porter's historical novel, The Good Wife. It was published by Boldwood Books on 16th February. 

Where will her loyalty lead her?

 

Once accused of witchcraft Martha Spicer is now free from the shadow of the gallows and lives a safe and happy life with her husband, Jacob. But when Jacob heads north to accompany his master, he warns Martha to keep her healing gifts a secret, to keep herself safe, to be a good wife.

Martha loves Jacob but without him there to protect her, she soon comes under the suspicious eye of the wicked Steward Boult, who’s heard of her talent and forces her to attend to him. If she refuses, he promises to destroy the good life she has built for herself with Jacob.

Desperate and alone, Martha faces a terrible decision: stay and be beholden to Boult or journey north to find Jacob who is reported to have been killed.. The road ahead is filled with danger, but also the promise of a brighter future. And where her gifts once threatened to be her downfall, might they now be the very thing that sets Martha free...?

The brilliant follow-up to Eleanor Porter's first novel of love, betrayal, superstition and fear in Elizabethan England. A story of female courage, ingenuity and determination , this is perfect for fans of Tracy Chevalier.

 My Thoughts

This follows on from The Wheelwright's Daughter and follows the story of Martha, who has married Jacob Spicer and settled into village life. In the past, she has been accused of witchcraft and her ability for healing using herbs and salves is still in demand. Set in Elizabethan England, this sets her up for suspicion and distrust as witchcraft is regarded as heresy and even the suggestion of it puts her in grave danger. 

    Martha finds herself alone and as an unprotected woman is easy prey for predatory men. As she starts on her journey to find Jacob, she travels through many dangerous situations and as she does, loses her naivety and trusting nature. As the notes at the end of the book show, there is much research into to the beliefs and customs of the time and this shows through. There are some unusual characters in this novel and plenty of period detail.

In short: Journey through Elizabethan England.

About the Author

Eleanor Porter has lectured at Universities in England and Hong Kong and her poetry and short fiction has been published in magazines. The Wheelwright’s Daughter was her first novel.

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Book link:   Amazon UK

Thanks to Eleanor Porter,  Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.  

Check out the rest of the tour!