Thistlemarsh
1919 England. Mouse Dunne has been left two options: Within 30 days, she must restore a crumbling manor house and its furnishings or get married. If she doesn’t accomplish either, she will lose her uncle’s inheritance, which is the only way she can afford care for her shell-shocked brother who’s remained in a hospital since the war. It seems the only thing that can help is a miracle … until she meets a charming Faerie prince in the forest who calls himself Thornwood and offers a deal. Mouse is stunned; Faeries disappeared from their world over 100 years ago. And while she’s familiar with the stories of dangerous Faerie deals, he’s the only option to save her brother. A deal to restore the house is struck, but as work begins, something resists Thornwood’s magic. Thus, Thornwood and Mouse will need to team up if they hope to meet the deadline, made more complicated by Mouse’s growing feelings for the mysterious Faerie.
This journey is filled with puzzles, mysterious creatures—including a delightfully enduring dog-dragon—and vibrant supporting characters like John and Mickelwaite. As Thornwood and Mouse begin to explore why the Faerie magic isn’t doing what it should, hidden pockets of magic emerge, leading to more questions about the manor’s history. Thornwood tries to keep his own secrets close, but Mouse is slowly able to peel back the layers as they rely on and trust each other more and more. Folklore and reality intertwine seamlessly, and the twists in both character development and plot keep readers guessing. This story is one of survival, healing from grief, and shaping one’s fate. In the same vein of Sarah Beth Durst and Hannah Nicole Maehrer novels, Thistlemarsh is gothic and atmospheric, dark yet hopeful, and, overall, an enchanting read.
