Thornyholdby Mary Stewart
Rating: ★★★★
isbn: 9781444715064
Publication Date: May 26, 2011
Pages: 220
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction
Publisher: Hachette Books
I originally read this back in 2016, and my review from back then pretty much stands up after the second read with one small caveat. I said, in essence, that while a very enjoyable and atmospheric read, nothing really happened, that it lacked any discernible plot.
That’s not true; there is a plot, but it’s so … mild? half-hearted? And there is a climatic showdown, but until the very last bit I still couldn’t discern whether or not Agnes was trying to be friendly, or not.
The instant love is still there and geez, Gilly goes from meeting the guy once to planning her life based on being married with children. To him. She tries to remind herself this is silly and presumptuous, but really, it’s just for form.
Still it’s a very readable book somehow. It sucks you in and draws you into this gently told tale and makes you (me) wish to move to a cottage and be an herbalist.
I read this for Halloween Bingo 2021 for the Black Cat square. Gilly has a black cat that could be called her familiar with very little effort, and he plays a part as protector and alarm bearer throughout the story.