I sadly did not finish this book. Hard to keep up with characters and it was a bit too YA for me. I enjoy YA sometimes, but not in this one.

A Necessary Blessing is not my normal type of book. It's a little too "cozy mystery" for me. But I did enjoy reading it at times.

It was hard to keep the characters straight at times. There were so many and their names were so similar. I mean, come on, there were two Granny whatevers. A simplified cast would've been nice, especially since most of them didn't do much anyway.

I found it unrealistic that Ruth morphed from a helpless city woman into a know-it-all water witch in just a few months. I know, realism in a book about witches, but the character development has to feel real and it just didn't with her.

Her estranged husband was just ridiculous too. Every part with him in it was just so choppy, like a news reel clip with part of the story missing.

I'm not even going to get started on the tickle fight between two middle aged people. Or maybe the tickle fight was a euphemism for them getting it on. Whatever happened there, WEIRD.

So, I will not be continuing this series. I barely finished this book.

this was a great start to a series, I loved the horror and historical elements. The characters were great and it left me wanting more in the series.

** 4.5 stars. **

Before I begin, let me say that this book took me by surprise. It was not at all what I expected, in a good way. When it began, I suppose I expected it to develop into a mystery/romance - it didn't!!

It takes place in a part of England that has a past rife with religious history and a community that follows the ways of the past passed down to them through family. It is here that Ruth felt drawn to an apple orchard thinking, she and her husband would find a sense of community but all it has been is a lonely existence as her husband left soon after for 'important city life'. So she waits alone until it comes crashing down.

This is not a romance book. Though Ruth is finding herself after the betrayal of her cheating husband, she is not looking to find that 'rebound romance'. She is looking to find herself. The self that her husband almost extinguished in their marriage. The book shows the community coming together for Ruth in her time of need, bringing her into the fold. The importance of being a part of something.

This book is a wonderful blend of the journey of her insecurities, self-doubts, triumphs, finding that sense of belonging she always wanted, and being comfortable with being herself. It is a book full of intrigue and mystery; secrets and lies as Ruth struggles to come to terms with who she is. When she realizes that a part of her sees echos from the past and that she can she ghosts. Ruth quickly learns that some ghosts are there to guide her and help while others mean her harm. She decides takes a leap of faith and tell her new friends not knowing their reactions. Will they except her?

I read (listened really) this book in one day. I was engrossed in the story, in knowing what was going to happen. There where times when I felt like the book lagged a little due to inconsequential things, but overall the story was a delight to read. From the growth of Ruth's character to the mystery of Isaac's ghost, even the echos of the monks, the storyline was woven together so well that I really hope that there will be another one to come

Sarah Head writes magic .. This book is mystery , intrigue and magic at its best , wonderfully descriptive .present day easily flips to past times , a small town so full of secrets a few ghosts and a ton of magic ... beautifully written ... enjoy

A Necessary Blessing by Sarah Heard
Publish date 19th November

Thank you to @booksgosocialgroup and @netgalley for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

An enjoyable read, as the reader we got to see Ruth develop and find who she was again after the end of a toxic relationship.

This was a very detailed read, I could picture the village and characters whilst I was reading, especially the monks, which were some of my favourite parts.

At times, I did struggle to keep up with who some of the characters were, but this won’t put me off reading the rest of the series.

I really enjoyed the magical and atmospheric feel of the book.
#anecessaryblessing #sarahheard #bookreview #arc #bookcommunity #netgalley #bookstagram #booksofinstagram

Ruth Turner lives alone in a picturesque village, but she actually doesn't know anybody or sees the beauty around her as she works from home and her husband and son live and work abroad. Suddenly she finds herself unemployed, with cheating husband and empty house.

With the help from villagers Ruth recognizes that she gave a trust to someone who didn' deserve it and that she was alone for far too long and now it's time to make some changes. She slowly starts to reconnect with herself and her inner abilities and also her past. Her transformation is quick and magical.

And magic is all around her. The villagers highly respect the nature and maintain the ancient beliefs alive. Ruth is more than welcome in their community.

The novel is simply stunning, well written, with suspense, twists and turns, but also with great message - to reconnect with nature and accept that we are just a part of wholeness that surround us.

Amazing read!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this copy of the book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book was.... AMAZING. I absolutely loved it! I love time travel stories, but this was unique and I’d never read anything like it before.

The characters were easy to get into. I really enjoyed some of them.

The cover art is beautiful, that’s always a plus!