Review: Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher

*I received an advance reading copy of this book from Firefly Books Ltd. in exchange for an honest review.

Salt & Broom

by Sharon Lynn Fisher

December 1, 2023

Goodreads Summary:

A gifted healer unravels the mysteries of a cursed estate―and its enigmatic owner―in a witchy retelling of Jane Eyre.

Salt and broom, make this room

Safe and tight, against the night.

Trunks packed with potions and cures, Jane Aire sets out on a crisp, clear morning in October to face the greatest challenge of her sheltered girls’-school existence. A shadow lies over Thornfield Hall and its reclusive master, Edward Rochester. And he’s hired her only as a last resort. Jane stumbles again and again as she tries to establish a rapport with her prickly new employer, but he becomes the least of her worries as a mysterious force seems to work against her. The threats mount around both Jane and Rochester―who’s becoming more intriguing and appealing to her by the day. Jane begins to fear her herb healing and protective charms may not be enough to save the man she’s growing to love from a threat darker and more dangerous than either of them imagined.

Review

With atmospheric writing, Salt & Broom was a short and sweet read. The story wasn't the most thrilling but I loved the witchy vibes.

Salt & Broom was full of uncertainty and intrigue. While I didn't care for the mundane activities, the build up in the mystery was expertly done. I had my suspicions. When the truth was delivered, the solution was thorough and satisfying. What I found a bit irrelevant was the side plot of Jane's birth. It felt too neat and convenient.

The witchery in Salt & Broom was actually very practical and down-to-earth. I found it delightful watching Jane cast with simple phrases and create charms using plants. She was knowledgeable and only ever used her ability to protect and heal. Mr. Rochester is a lucky man!

I couldn't fully embrace the feelings between Jane and Rochester. No doubts that they were genuine but given the short amount of time they spent in each other's company (spread out over 2-3 days), their declarations of love simply came about too quickly. I wish the romance had been given more time to develop.

Salt & Broom was an enjoyable retelling- sufficiently suspenseful and warmly witchy. I'd love to learn to make protection charms~

*I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.