on my nightstand – The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

I’ve  recently moved to the front porch swing to read… and this page turner is a great choice for summer reading.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is a debut novel for author Katherine Howe who gives voice to women – mothers and daughter – past and present – involved in the Salem Witch Trials. It is a little spooky, a little romantic, and a little scholarly as it tells the story of Connie, a Harvard student, researching and cleaning her granna’s abandoned home during the summer of 1991.

The book’s interludes, in contrast, bring to life the story of Deliverance Dane and her descendents, whose knowledge of  healing herbs and the power of prayer lead them to be suspected of witchcraft. The lineage of women earn their livings as midwives and healers at a time when science could not answer the medical questions of their communities. As grateful as many are for their trade, there are others who are uncomfortable with the independence and strength these women display among their Puritan neighbors.

As Connie researches for her PhD, she finds a personal connection with their stories and I’m won’t tell you anymore than that for fear of giving too much away!

The book delivers enough history to be good for you and enough romance to make it a page turner. It’s a 4 star park bench read! Let me know what you think and as always – “Happy reading!”