Sharon Lynn Fisher's latest creation, "Salt & Broom," is a captivating journey that blends the allure of Gothic mystery with a distinct infusion of magical elements. Set in a world resonating with echoes of Jane Eyre, Fisher masterfully reimagines the classic tale with an enthralling mix of witches, fairies, and spectral encounters.

The narrative follows the life of Jane Aire, a seasoned witch and devoted teacher at Lowood School. However, her tranquil existence takes an unexpected turn when she is summoned by the enigmatic Edward Fairfax Rochester, seeking her expertise to unravel the mysteries plaguing Thornfield Hall. As Jane steps into this new realm, she is confronted with peculiar occurrences—fairy pranks, ghostly apparitions, and a pervasive sense of an ancient curse haunting the estate.

Fisher's prose is a tapestry of exquisite storytelling, transporting readers effortlessly into the atmospheric setting of 1847 England. The richly detailed descriptions breathe life into the eerie poison garden and the enigmatic woods, intertwining seamlessly with the central enigma of Jane's origins and her inexplicable connection to Thornfield Hall.

While romance simmers delicately between Jane and Edward, Fisher adeptly balances it with the allure of suspense and the complexities of Jane's personal quest. Jane emerges as a resilient and compelling protagonist, driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the truth about her past and alter her destiny.

Notably, Sybil, the feline companion, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, serving as more than just a witch's familiar, with hidden depths waiting to be unveiled.

"Salt & Broom" is a testament to Fisher's evolving prowess as an author, delivering a spellbinding narrative that will captivate both established fans and newcomers to her work. This book beckons readers into a world where mystery, magic, and the haunting allure of the Gothic seamlessly converge, leaving an indelible mark on the imagination.

I want to thank Netgalley for an advanced ARC of this book.

This is a retelling of Jane Eyre where she is a witch helping in a situation that's happened since the lady of the house at a Manor has passed away....

I want to say I have never read the original Jane Eyre so I was not able to compare the differences and stories.

While reading this story I liked the slow telling of a story that I saw as beautifully told, I found that this book was told a little fast in places but I highly enjoyed it from beginning to end feeling emotion for the main character from the halfway point on wards.

The ending was my favourite part of the book (not because it was ending) but because it was fun and engrossing

Thank you NetGalley, Sharon Lynn Fisher, and 47North for allowing me to read a copy of Salt & Broom in exchange for an honest review. I received this copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First off, I love a good retelling of Jane Eyre. Salt & Broom twisted the story in a way to make it different from the classic, but the story was similar enough to see where the inspiration was coming from. The characters were well-developed and interesting. The plot was full of witchy greatness. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves Jane Eyre and/or to anyone who enjoys reading about supernatural elements.

4.5 stars. As a lover of witchy books and of Jane Eyre, I give this a fat stamp of approval. Just the right amount of romance and magic combined to make a really solid story.

I loved this book. I highly highly recommend it to anyone who likes witches or Jane Eyre or both.

Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so beautiful. I absolutely loved it. Though I haven’t read Jane Eyre, but this book made me want to. It’s a quick read, and honestly I would have liked it a bit longer because of how much I liked it.

4.5 stars

DNF around 50% in.

Sorry for any spoilers but the moment the cat turned into a fairy and then annoucned she was Jane Eyre's mom lost me so completely I closed the app and stared at my blank screen for a solid minute.

Even considering the other aspects of the book, I wasn't invested. This is the same exact Jane Eyre story in theory, except this Jane Eyre is a witch. However she doesn't feel like Jane to me, and the constant rehashing of her wandering around the house's grounds were quite boring to read about.

Thanks to 47North, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Have you ever read a book where you just want to sink your teeth in and stay in that world forever? Salt and broom has done that for me. Think of a cup of coffee on a porch while it’s raining or sleeping in and waking up to hear the sounds of birds. The writing gives me a warm feeling of nostalgia as well as the comfort of a warm blanket on a damp night
This book is a unique Jane Eyre retelling that makes you want to pull Miss Jane Aire into a big hug.
The writing carries a whimsy and fairy like tone, giving Jane an air of the magical. It was so intriguing to read in this book, this magical element kept readers engaged in the story.
Sharon‘s writing is just so descriptive and interesting that I keep coming back for more. This has been my first novel by this author, and I can say that after reading this book, I will definitely pick up more of her stories. Beautifully classic, it makes the retelling as enjoyable as the original and way more accessible to the modern day audience.
The thing about the story is that it is a fun read. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, cozy book with elements of fantasy and whimsy, this book is perfect for you. Reading this book in the winter was the most atmospheric and wonderful experience; just think reading this book with a Christmas tree and lights shining in the background, drinking a cup of hot chocolate, covered in a blanket and warm—that is basically what this book is, a safe place where you can get lost in.

The thing about writing a book 5 stars means that the characters had such an impact on me that I will think about them for a long time, and the relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester had my heart in a chokehold. I love these two and I will think about them for at least the next six months, I will probably reread this book. The reread ability of this book is amazing and I highly highly recommend it. #books #saltandbroom #bookreview #janeeyre #books #booksta #review #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #prettybook #reading #readmorebooks #read #reading #netgalley #netgalleyreads #47northpublishing

t’s got a little bit of everything! Romance, mystery and witches! It’s a fast-paced read. It was a fun retelling of Jane Eyre.

Thank you Netgalley for the copy!

Salt & Broom is a witchy reinterpretation of Jane Eyre that fans of retellings and witch fiction would enjoy.

The writing was full of whimsy and charm that gave cozy enchanting vibes. I have never read Jane Eyre and so I didn't know what was true to the original and what was a reinvention. For that reason, I did not connect to the story. I think it's necessary to have some familiarity with the original source material in order to truly appreciate this story. I made the mistake in assuming that I could read it without any prior knowledge of Jane Eyre. I found the story to be a bit boring and just not my cup of tea.

ARC received by NetGalley for an honest review

This title really surprised me! As somebody who has never read Jane Eyre, I really want to now! The story was somewhat slow, but I was interested enough in the characters and mystery of the story to continue reading. I also adored the setting, gothic and dreary Victorian mansion is top tier. As the plot unraveled I was kept guessing and was surprised by the end result. I really enjoyed my time reading this title!

Jane Eyre is a lifetime favorite of mine. This retelling of the classic is a fan-fiction type novel that is filled with fairies and witchcraft. It was a fun read and it didn’t make me feel like it did a disservice to the original. Nice character development, steady pacing and atmospheric. Satisfying read.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Salt & Broom" by Sharon Lynn Fisher is a captivating and spellbinding retelling of "Jane Eyre," seamlessly blending elements of witchcraft and fantasy into the classic narrative. Fisher, known for her imaginative storytelling in "The Faery Rehistory" series, brings her unique touch to this timeless tale, transforming it into something both familiar and enchantingly new.

Set against the backdrop of the mysterious Thornfield Hall, the story follows Jane Aire, a healer armed with potions and cures, as she embarks on a journey to confront the unknown. The novel thrives on the atmospheric setting of Thornfield, rife with gothic elements that create a sense of foreboding and intrigue. Edward Rochester, the estate's enigmatic owner, is as complex and captivating as ever. Fisher's portrayal of Rochester strikes a balance between the original character's brooding nature and a fresh, more mystical aura that fits the novel's supernatural twist.

The novel shines in its character development, particularly in how Fisher reinvents Jane. This Jane Aire retains the strength and moral integrity of Brontë's heroine while also possessing a distinct sense of agency and mystical prowess. The slow-burning romance between Jane and Rochester is beautifully woven, developing amidst a backdrop of eerie occurrences and dark secrets. The magical elements are integrated seamlessly, enhancing the plot without overshadowing the core themes of love, independence, and resilience.

However, readers familiar with the original "Jane Eyre" might find the adherence to the original plotline both a comfort and a constraint. While Fisher's retelling is imaginative, some may long for more deviation from the source material. Nonetheless, "Salt & Broom" stands out for its lyrical prose and vivid imagery, which immerses the reader in a world where magic and reality intertwine.

In summary, Sharon Lynn Fisher's "Salt & Broom" is a must-read for fans of fantasy and classic literature alike. It reinvigorates "Jane Eyre" with a fresh, magical perspective while staying true to the spirit of the beloved original. This novel is not just a retelling but a reimagining, offering a new lens through which to view a familiar story. It's an enchanting journey that blends romance, mystery, and witchcraft, making it a captivating read from start to finish.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book through Netgalley.

Salt and Broom is a refreshing retelling/reimagining of Jane Eyre.

In this “version”, Jane Aire, as she is called, is a witch used to the practices of herbology.

A shadow lies over Thornfield Hall and its reclusive master, Edward Rochester, who hired the witchy protagonist to get things back to normal in his estate.

I am a very hard person on rating books – but I am especially hard on retellings. The only other one I read this year I gave it a 1 star, so keep in mind that what to me was a 3-star book, for you could easily be a 4 or even 5-star! We all have different rating standards!

The idea of a witchy Jane was extremely intriguing to me, and the book is well written. However, it is a bit hard to understand the magic of this world. At times, the spells seem repetitive “so mote it be”.

My biggest criticism is how quickly the love story develops and how fast Jane goes from one place to the other. The whole book happens in a matter of a week, and it seems a bit of a stretch to say that this girl crossed the country three times, had enough time to fall in love and to be loved, and managed to decipher the problem in that short period. This could have easily been solved by stretching the time period from “days” to “months”. Things seem more real when there is time for it to happen at a normal pace.

I understand most people are calling this book a “reimagining” because the ending is different from the original, although the protagonist starts at more or less the same point. That aside, I felt that taking the tragic part away from the story (no spoilers) hurt it as a whole, causing this to become more of a “fairytale”.

The cover of this book was captivating, but I did miss the crow in the actual story.

Aside from that, I do need to commend the writer for studying herbology so much. At the end of the book, her acknowledgements make us see how hard writing a book can be. It is not simply putting pen to paper. The process is long and tiresome, but sticking to it in the long run is more than worth it.

If you are looking for a FAIRYTALE witchy Jane Eyre, this book is for you!

As soon as I saw this was a witchy Jane Eyre I was sold! Jane Aire is a feisty witch sent to help the grumpy widower Mr Rochester with some paranormal problem. The whole thing is magical in every way!

While I definitely enjoyed the witchy and magical vibes of Salt & Broom, the love story between Jane and Mr. Rochester wasn't all that believable to me. Is it supposed to be love at first sight for both of them? They only had a few scenes together and then they're all of a sudden so in love with each other? Meh... I've never read Jane Eyre so perhaps that might have something to do with my feelings on that.
It's still a fantastically atmospheric witchy book, perfect for spooky season!

A witchy retelling of Jane Eyre where Jane has been hired to get rid of a curse on Thornfield Hall. There is no child to be governessed, and Mrs. Rochester isn't exactly living in the attic. This was a really nice retelling that hangs brand new motivations on the bones of the original. As Sharon Lynn Fisher says in her afterword, "What if Rochester was brooding and charming without having locked his wife in the attic and lied to Jane about it?" Let's be honest, it changes quite a bit about the story, but it also makes it more fun to enjoy.

Recommended for readers who love historical fantasy, witchy and faery elements, and especially those who remember the beats of Jane Eyre. This was a quick read and I had a ton of fun with it.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Atmospheric, moody, and dark - Salt & Broom is a fresh new take on Jane Eyre.

Adding witches and faeries to this story was a fantastic elemental change, a perfect read for winter. There’s a good amount of the tell-tale romance, our main character has her own agency, and the side story with the Rochester family was thoroughly engrossing!

Sidenote: I especially love Jane Eyre retellings that don’t have a wife locked away! Thank you!

I am always skeptical when an author tries to re-work the magic of staple female authors like Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, and Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre happened to be my gateway drug into this world of female empowerment as a teenager, so when I saw this novel, I was doubtful that it would achieve much.

But boy, was I wrong. Sharon Lynn Fisher does not try to re-create Jane Eyre; she builds on the already impeccable characters and creates something new entirely. I found myself rooting for Jane in a way I never have and enraptured by the entire worldbuilding and mystery surrounding Thornfield.

Fisher's ability to create a world where Jane navigates her situations in a confident, powerful way was mesmerizing. The way she was able to connect the history of witches around the world and integrate man's innate distrust of the female figure, especially during this time, was nothing short of genius.

If you are looking for a witchy Jane Eyre that will leave you wanting more, put this on your TBR list and read it immediately.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jane works as a teacher at the orphanage that raised her until her skills as a witch are needed to remove whatever is haunting the remote Thornfield estate.

The story is great gloomy setting for a winter read, and it keeps quite closely to the story of Jane Eyre while naturally mixing Jane's magical abilities into the story

My beloved Jane Eyre but add witches. This was a wonderful retelling of the classic story.

Jane was not-so-secretly trained as a witch at her little boarding school for orphans and continues as a teacher to pass these arts on to the current students. She is pulled away from the only place she has ever known in order to help she’s some light on suspiciously supernatural occurrences on an old estate. The estate is owned by a handsome widower, and the attraction begins immediately.

Readers are treated to a nice slow burn romance, found family, supernatural mystery, and captivating storytelling. There are enough elements of mystery to keep you guessing while also enough threads of the truth that you constantly feel like you’re just one page away from being able to piece it together.

This was a delightfully fun read that had me eager to keep turning pages late into the night. Jane Eyre fans and witchy book fans alike can unite over this one.