I got this book from the October 2022 bunch. I tried to read it and just couldn't seem to get pass the first chapter...BUT...I picked it up again Tuesday afternoon and didn't put it down until I was finished with it! This story is about Maddie, who practices herbalism that she learned with people in her family and with the help of a book that is passed down, from healer to healer. Maddie was worried she wouldn't have someone to follow in her footsteps because her daughter wasn't interested...then her grand-daughter shows very promising interest... This book is full of lies, deceit and mystery...4 1/2 stars!! ( )

Maddie Fairbanks is her dying Southern Appalachian town’s skilled herbal healer, something that, along with the influence of her late husband, has allowed her to have socially progressive views; including taking on a Black apprentice, Ren Morgan. Members of the town may grumble about it, but they know they need them both.

That is until a new reverend blows into town in 1917 and begins to preach on both the importance of racial segregation and the dangers of the harmful “herbal witchcraft” Maddie and Ren partake in. These teachings respark the local KKK chapter and they begin to threaten Maddie and Ren’s family’s - stop what you’re doing and leave town, or there will be trouble.

Will Maddie follow their demands or will she stay and fight to keep the home she’s created in Jamesville.

This took me a little to get into it, but once I did, I got lost in it quite quickly. I’m always interested in herbal medicine and especially the history of it as well, which is why I was interested and picked this book up.

This novel is told in third person, but would focus alternatively between Maddie, Ren, Hannah (Maddie’s granddaughter), and Carol. I could not stand Carol - very narcissistic and it drove me nuts. Of course, once we found out more and more about him, it explained a lot but when we first started out I could tell something was off with him and would roll my eyes every time his section would come up in the reading. Adele Holmes did a fantastic job at writing a despising character.

Overall, I can see those who enjoyed historical fiction enjoying this intriguing story about a herbalist living in a small, southern Appalachian town in 1917. It’s a great insight into that life and the history of women who couldn’t yet be doctor’s, but could mix herbs to keep their loved ones and community going.

*Thank you She Writes Press and Publisher’s Weekly for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ( )

I have tried and tried to get into this book. I'm about halfway through and I just can't. I love the setting, the author is very good at describing it, and it seems to fit the story. However, the people don't fit the time or the place. The word choice and language, the character's interactions with each other, and with themselves, just doesn't feel natural or appropriate. Sometimes it feels choppy, other times the pages just seem like filler. There is a good story here, but it needs to be more true to the place and time.

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Librarything and SheWritesPress for picking me to win this FREE ARC COPY in a giveaway on Librarything Website last year!!

This was my first time reading a book by Adele Holmes, MD so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed reading this one especially since it was mainly about Natural Remedies to help heal diseases and illnesses long before Medication came to be.

The Characters were so interesting and enjoyable to read about. Maddie was definately my favorite mainly because of her determination to show people how Natural Herbs help with illnesses and diseases.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Jamesville, near The Southern Appalachian Mountains, 1917 especially when the scenery was described.

Overall a Good Historical Fiction Novel about a Herbalist Healer who is devoted to healing a town of many illnesses despite what people say about her!! Can't wait to read more by Adele in the future!! ( )

Winter's Reckoning is a beautiful and well written novel about life in Appalachia in 1917 where the separation of the races is enforced by the KKK and women are kept in their places as second class citizens.

Maddie is a 46 year old widow from Boston who is a healer. There is no doctor in the small town and the people rely on Maddie and her skills. Her socially progressive beliefs are not accepted by most of the town but her views are overlooked due to her skills as a healer. She's training a young black woman - Ren - to be her helper and this is also frowned upon by the people who believe that the races should be separated. When a charismatic new preacher rides into town, he stirs up the townspeople with his views on racial segregation and helps the local KKK chapter become active again. Maddie stands up to him and he starts the rumor that she is a witch and should be kicked out of town. If she doesn't leave, the KKK will hang her apprentice's father
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Maddie is shocked and disappointed when the townspeople turn against her. She had moved to the small town from Boston after she married her late husband and always felt that she was accepted. She's not sure what she should do -- will the KKK really lynch Ren's father? She realizes that her life is really in danger after a night visit by the KKK and begins to believe that she needs to leave town to save the people that she loves - both black and white. Will she stay in town where she can protect her friends and family or will she leave town and let the new pastor control the beliefs of the townspeople? ( )