I've been planning this post for a while and whilst thinking about the best way to introduce my little author showcase for window number 6, one Christmas carol kept coming into my head.
This version by Annie Lennox is both beautiful and powerful, just as you'd expect from this singer. Those two adjectives could equally be applied to Cheryl and her work and if a crown of holly was to be awarded to anyone, I'd nominate Cheryl. Let me explain further.
Cheryl Burman is an author who I have come to know over the past few years through the connections that I have been fortunate to make during my writing life. She is another of my inspirations through her positive and pro-active attitude and seriously impressive work ethic. I find myself in awe of her confidence and willingness to support others. Cheryl always has a project on the go and is very much part of her local community in the Forest of Dean.
I love seeing her regular posts, documenting her walks in the forest with little snapshots of the area. In all weathers, Cheryl is out there walking, being inspired by her surroundings. Maybe that's why 'The Holly and the Ivy' came to my mind, I think that's partly so. But also it is because of how Cheryl weaves the history, legend and myth of the forest into much of her writing. To discover more about what makes her tick as a writer and to peruse the many books she has written, it is worth dropping into her website, but today I'd particularly like to promote her latest work - The Herbalist's Daughters. This 'unputdownable dual timeline historical fantasy' is sure to add a little intrigue and mystery to anyone's Christmas haul, so why not pop a copy into a stocking or indeed, grab one for yourself? You won't regret it.
I have included the book's description below, in the hope that it leaves you wanting to read more...
"Can the past be truly redeemed?
In 1997, Mara Ash discovers among her mother’s possessions the beautifully illustrated 19th century journals of the flora of the Forest of Dean by one Aaron Appleby. Tucked among the pages are two cryptic letters from Aaron to a woman called Hester.
One hundred years earlier, Aaron remains tormented by his guilt over Marianne’s fiery death above the river ten years ago. He cannot share Hester’s contentment in the cottage by the stream where she tends her plants and fulfils her ambition to be a herbal healer.
But when Aaron sets out to seek at least forgiveness if redemption is unavailable, he risks losing what solace he has gained.
Believing time and distance might save her troubled marriage, Mara travels from her home in Australia to the Forest in England to resolve the mystery of Aaron Appleby. What is his relationship to her? Why do his journals cease abruptly in the summer of 1897? Why don’t his daughters bear his name?
But as she uncovers the truth of her family, Mara finds herself challenged by her own unexpected journey of self-discovery.
‘The last chapters had me in tears, as these characters had become so beloved and their stories so compelling.’ Reader review
The standalone sequel to the award winning River Witch, The Herbalist’s Daughters weaves past and present into an unforgettable story of loss, redemption, and the legacies which shape us."
Before I leave you to your book ordering, let me return to the holly crown that I mentioned at the start. Having given you a flavour of Cheryl's work you may well see why I award the crown to her - a symbol tracing back to Celtic mythology, representing the natural world, the changing of the seasons and protection against evil spirits and witches. Over time, holly has come to symbolise warmth and hospitality - two things that I know Cheryl is known for too. If we ever get to meet up for a long promised writers' retreat, perhaps she'll bring along a sample of her baking too. It would be great to swap our recipes alongside writing experiences and tips. I'm sure I would have much to learn from she who wears the crown.
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