This is an accomplished debut that left a lasting impression on me. I adored the character of Kitty MacLean who was the first lady of Ardbray, a Highland residence in Scotland. Many generations later and Greer Mackenzie is responsible for housekeeping at Ardbray, as were her family before her ever since it was built in the 1880s; the house has been on the market for fifty years with many mysterious reasons why each sale has fallen through.
The stories interweave from past to present as Kitty's haunting experiences at the house are a very real problem for Greer trying to move on and for potential new owner Caitlin Black.
This novel delivers ghostly apparitions, herbal anecdotes, and beautiful Scottish charm in an atmospheric, powerful story across generations on a path of revenge, love and redemption.

Set against the backdrop of the late 1890s, it delves into discussions about history and women's rights, particularly within the textile industry. Kitty Gray, later known as Kitty Maclean, initially marries a man with the hope of pursuing her medical dreams. However, after their wedding, she discovers his true intentions of desiring a conventional, decorative wife to impress his unscrupulous business partner, John Hardgrove. Kitty was eventually banished to Ardbray House in the Scottish Highlands, where she forms a profound bond with the house and the breathtaking Highland landscapes. Her journey unfolds as she nurtures a remarkable garden and gains recognition as an herbalist.

Caitlin Black, from a renowned family, embraces her role as the black sheep. Her purpose at Ardbray House is to purchase it and transform it into a haven away from the modern world. Greer, who has dedicated five decades to caring for the house and its resident spirits, hesitates to part with it, as her identity is intricately tied to the house.

At its core, this narrative explores the theme of loss and the catalysts that reignite life. All the women in the story grapple with significant professional and personal setbacks, yet they persist in their quest for family and love. It's within the bonds they forge with one another that the healing process takes place. While the presence of ghosts adds a supernatural element, the story ultimately concludes with a satisfying resolution.

The novel artfully weaves the past and present, drawing intriguing parallels between the two timelines. Despite its well-rounded nature, the initial half of the story can be perceived as somewhat drawn-out. It occasionally leaves the reader wondering about the narrative's direction and when the mystery will unfold. Trimming some of the background details or commencing the story with Kitty already married could have streamlined the pacing.

This is less of a cozy mystery and more of a general women's fiction. There also are some trigger warnings: child death and suicide.

Nevertheless, it remains an engaging narrative and a promising debut.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the electronic ARC

Thank you to the Annabelle the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

This is an exciting and intriguing book with two timelines. The early 2000s and the late 19th century. We have Kitty in the 1880s who is married to a man only really interested in his business, who is banished to his grand mansion in the Highlands and Greer who lives there in the 2000s, hoping to find a buyer for the house.

Kitty is really the main character and her chapters are the most fascinating. We follow her from a young girl with a burning intelligence to a neglected wife and a caring mother, to an old eccentric lady. I really loved her story arc, and I felt the ending of her story was simply beautiful.

I wasn’t quite so keen on Greer or on Caitlin who is the buyer in the more modern timeline as we spend less of the book with them and know them less well. Also the main action happens in Kitty’s period.

Hers is a tragic story with heartbreaking difficulties and a gentle haunting. The ghosts here are not scary or comical, just endearing and believable. I felt some of the touches about them, especially the ending revelation was brilliant. And not a little heart wrenching!

The descriptions and gothic touches are well considered and perfect for a cosy autumn evening. Annabelle’s clear love of the highlands comes through and makes you want to go there quite desperately.

It also made me fascinated by herbs and the power of them. And whilst I find the topic of epilepsy difficult personally, I was captivated by the idea that people in the past tried to conquer it’s terrifying symptoms with the power of plants.

Overall, a captivating and gripping read. It definitely deserves to do well!

3.5 stars. The synopsis was very intriguing and I wanted to love this book. I did enjoy it, but it felt slow at times and took me a bit to get through. The book is beautifully written and I enjoyed the themes of finding peace in tragedy and self discovery.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Herbalist’s Secret weaves a beautiful story set in the Scottish Highlands. The prologue sets the scene perfectly and leaves you wanting to keep reading so that you can find out what steps brought the individuals to that fateful point in life. I loved having facts about medicinal herbs at the beginning of every chapter and loved Kitty’s story from the beginning when she first married and moved to Ardbray House to her death. Caitlin’s story was great as well but Kitty’s was the real highlight for me. I loved seeing how her life unfolded and how the tragedies in it impacted the rest of her adult life.

The Herbalist’s Secret was a wonderful debut novel that I was unable to put down.

In the late 19th century physician’s daughter Kitty Gray marries Charles Maclean a cotton mill owner whom her mother feels is the ideal mate, sadly he is not. Kitty has always been fascinated with the work her father does as a physician and before and after her marriage spends her time helping the poor and learning the healing arts of herbs. What better place to do this than her husband’s isolated Highland estate Ardbray house..Ardbray house is a refuge from her boring life in Glasgow, her distant and often angry husband, and an ideal place to raise her children, especially Callum who has epilepsy.

In 2003 Caitlin Black comes to Ardbray house looking to buy it as a retreat spa. Greer Mackenzie who has been the housekeeper for years and who was raised there as child has her doubts about Caitlin and the fate of Ardbray house, Greer has been the chatelaine of Ardbray since Kitty died and wants to make sure that Kitty’s legacy is upheld. Then there are the ghosts of the two children that have been Greer’s companions for years. How will they fit into this new life with the house sold and Caitlin as the owner?

Each chapter is headed with notes of different herbs and plants which really helps to set the tone of the story.. I really enjoyed this book. I loved the historical aspect, the need to make something of your life when you may not have been dealt the best hand, and the story of how grief and tragedy can be overcome. I look forward to future books by Ms. Marx as I found this book to be a treasure.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Storm Publishing and the author for the chance to read and review this book.

This is beautiful and sad and amazing. I loved it so much. Thank you for the early access reading! Can you imagine being in a house for more than 50 years, as a caregiver, while waiting for someone to buy it. I would feel so violated when people would come by to see it and especially when it was sold.

An evocative read, set in dual time lines in the Scottish Highlands, following Kitty Gray from her marriage in 1889 and in 2003, Caitlin Black when she falls under the spell of Ardray House. Kitty is the herbalist from the title, a woman who wanted to be a doctor but whose fate was to be married. In 2003 the house has been unoccupied for nearly 50 years, and it’s earned a reputation for being bad luck for prospective buyers. When Caitlin sees the house she is drawn to it and intends to restore it to its former glory.

This is a really good read, giving an insight into the way women were treated by the law and society in the late 19th century in the UK and how difficult it was to bring about changes for the better. The treatment of workers in places like the mills is also described very realistically, with the owners caring little for the safety and care of their workers, only about the amount of profit they could make. There is an interesting commentary on the use of herbs for healing, as medication and salves etc, which is something that is being studied closely today.
The characters are very well written, the storyline is nicely twisted, with a very good ending. For a debut novel this is excellent, and thanks to the author for the gingerbread recipe.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

In 1889 she has hopes of becoming a doctor but is married off so the is the end of her dreams. Liviing in a mansion she starts a herb garden and uses her knowledge to become a herbalist.
2003 Aiming to restore the mansion secrets open up, what are they? Good read 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

2.7 Stars
One Liner: Got potential but falls flat

1889
Kitty Gray dreams of becoming a doctor like her father but is married to Charles Maclean, one of the richest men in Glasgow. However, circumstances make the Ardbray House in the remote Scottish Highlands her permanent home. Kitty finds a new passion in herbs, and is soon the local midwife and herbalist. Until one day, tragedy strikes.
2003
Greer Mackenzie’s family has been the housekeepers of the Ardbray House for decades. She resents the house for denying her freedom but doesn’t want to let go of the house she calls home. When Caitlin Black arrives as a prospective buyer, Greer is torn.
As Caitlin delves deep into the house’s history, she comes across some disturbing events. Now, it’s up to her to find out what had happened. Moreover, the Ardbray House seems to have its own demands.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Kitty and the first-person POV of Greer Mackenzie.

What I Like:
The Scottish Highlands setting is descriptive and paints a picture of the house, the loch, and the chilly remoteness of the location.
Every chapter starts with a brief note about an herb and its medicinal benefits. This was informative and educative.
The historical setting deals with women’s rights (without getting preachy), the cotton mills and the horrible working conditions, and the gradual entry of women into medical colleges. A few scenes are well done, especially between Kitty and the staff.
There’s a recipe for ginger cake at the end of the book. Since this delicious cake is mentioned multiple times, it’s nice to have the recipe. The other descriptions of the food are also enjoyable and made my reading a little more enjoyable.
The prologue is solid and sets high expectations for the rest of the book. However…

What Could Have Been Better for Me:
Well, the book has many elements, but no single aspect stands out. I kept wondering what the actual focus of the story was. The prologue makes it seem like it’s the house. Soon, we see it’s the characters, especially Kitty. But yet again, the house seems to be important. Then Kitty again. Based on the title, it should be Kitty, but the prologue makes the house stand out. See what’s happening?
A story with paranormal elements (ghosts) should have a solid atmosphere and sustain it. While Geer’s first-person POV tries to make the house seem oppressive and brooding, it doesn’t sustain the feelings for long. Also, Geer is annoying, making the contemporary track a chore.
Moreover, the book doesn’t really have herbalism except for Kitty’s paintings and her garden. Even though she is said to have become a self-learned herbalist, we see just a random instance or two of her using herbs, that too only for the family and the house staff.
The book tries to pack too much into the plot, and almost none of it is explored in detail (the kitchen sink syndrome, as a friend calls it). We get Kitty’s biography with missing years (that have important developments). The contemporary track is entirely surface-level. Neither Geer nor Caitlin is impressive. The ending is okay, I suppose, but nothing wow.
The pacing is slow and dragging. Moreover, the mystery mentioned in the blurb doesn’t appear until after 50%. Then, of course, it is almost immediately solved in the same timeline, followed by the events revealing the truth. It’s a good thing the book is listed as General Fiction on NetGalley. This cannot be considered a mystery despite the countless secrets our characters like to keep.

To summarize, The Herbalist's Secret has a great premise but needs some structuring and prioritizing to decide the main element and amplify it. Cutting down the excessive explanations would also help. Since this is a debut release, I’ll round up the rating to 3 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This book is absolutely haunting, but narrated in the most beautiful way.

Kitty McLean had an interest in pursuing a medical profession, however during her time in the 19th century, acquiring a higher level education for women was highly frowned upon. She was also wed to a man of great wealth, which added another obstacle as she was expected to stay home. So what does she do next? She begins to study herbalism.

This book is told in different time periods and perspectives, which also added interest to the book. Would recommend this interesting read to a friend!

Thank you so much to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

When Kitty Gray marries Charles Maclean, she sees the marriage as an opportunity to escape her overprotective mother and possibly continue her studies in medicine. But before long she finds herself banished to Ardbray House, the isolated grandiose mansion her decesed father-in-law built before his death. While her husband stays in Glasgow she is left in charge of the manor and the garden that needs to be built to sustain herself and the staff living in the isolated house. Kitty tries to make the best of her situation and finds herself immersed in the study of the medicinal side of herbs. With no one to speak to but her staff, she makes friends with them, although it is seen as not proper.

Decades after her death, Ardbray House is still in search of a new owner. With a very specific clause in the will, the house has been painstakingly maintained by a small staff. Greer, the housekeeper, has lived her entire life on the property. She knows she cannot leave until a suitable owner has been found. Each time a new person has shown interest in buying the expansive property, for one reason or another, something has stopped them from completing the purchase. So when Caitlin Black, an American heiress from New York shows up inquiring about the property, Greer doesn't get her hopes up. But there is something different about Caitlin. Something about the property calls to her. As much as Greer tries to ignore it, she knows deep down that something is different this time around. She knows that Caitlin can see what only the most trusted people of Ardbray House can see. The ghosts of two children, desperately searching for their mother.

In the Herbilist Secret, we follow two timelines. In the late 1800's we folow Kitty Maclean's struggle to find independence and peace in her life. And in 2003 we follow Greer, and Caitlin, one wanting to leave Ardbray behind, and the other being called towards it. This is the story of three women searching for different things in their life, with Ardbray House being the constant thorughout decades.

I really enjoyed this book! Thank you so much to Netgalley, Storm publishing, and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own!

1889 & it's the day of Kitty Gray's marriage to business owner Charles Maclean. Kitty wanted to attend university & become a doctor but her mother vetoes that & Kitty found herself hurriedly engaged to Charles. Things soon go sour & Kitty finds herself exiled to her husband's holiday home, Ardbray House, in the Scottish Highlands. This turns out to be a blessing in disguise as Kitty involves herself in the world of herbal medicine.

2003 - Greer has been the caretaker at Ardbray House for as long as she can remember & her mother & grandmother were caretakers before her. She despairs of a new owner ever being found, when Caitlin Black, a young American woman looks around & decides she wants to restore it including the gardens. As the two women look into the history of the house & its former occupants, a double tragedy is uncovered.

I wasn't sure what to expect but this is a wonderful historical fiction read. It deals with some heavy subjects including the place of women in Victorian society, child death, & sexual assault but they are dealt with in a sensitive way. Kitty's story is by far the most interesting & I loved her as a main character. Greer was a little harder to like, she's more of a 'spiky' personality & it takes a while to warm to her. The book also had a slightly paranormal edge with the appearance of a ghost or two. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a paranormal edge. 4.5 stars (rounded up)

TWs: child death, sexual assault, misogyny.

My thanks to NetGalley & publisher, Storm Publishing, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

The Herbalist's Secret by Annabelle Marx is a mystery tale set in the pristine Highlands of Glasgow, Scotland and is told through the voices of three female characters with contrasting pasts. Thanks to Storm publishing and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The novel tells the mysterious story of Kitty Gray who is one among thousands of women (then and now) who had to sacrifice their dreams in the name of marriage.

The storyline evolves through the journals of the deceased Kitty, memories and thoughts of the house keeper Greer, and the new owner of Kitty's Mansion, Caitlin. All these three women have really interesting facets to their characters and somehow they all feel like one person at times. The journey of Caitlin to unearth the mysteries of Kitty, aided by Greer, paints a picture of loss, hopelessness and bouncing back to life, which is the same case with all the three women.

The one thing I noticed as lacking in the story is herbalism. While searching the Netgalley shelf, the first thing that captured my attention was the word Herbalist, but there's not much of it in the story. Just some uses/benefits of some herbs at the beginning of each chapter is the only herbalism one would find here. In my opinion, it would have been interesting to read some more about the plant world.

This is a mystery novel, but not a grand one. Do not expect a seat gripping nail-biting hardcore mystery. This is a subtle, pretty mystery, or rather a women's general fiction mystery. So, if you are interested in a simple, nice, cozy reading with a little bit of gothic, eerie touch taking place in a remote wild land, then this is for you.

PS : This is the debut novel of the author and, keeping that in mind, I feel that it is a good first impression.

I loved this book. Set in two eras - late 1800's and early 2000's. The story is based around a house and its family, in the remote Highlands of Scotland. There is joy, sadness, mystery, and suspense. It is well written, not overly descriptive, and the characters were interesting. This is the perfect book for spooky season, but I would recommend it is read at any time of the year. I look forward to reading more books by Annabelle Marx.

The Herbalist's Secret is the story of Ardbray House and the indomitable woman who made it a home. From the gargoyles to the gothic arches, I was enamored with Ardbray House from the very beginning. After a recent trip to Scotland, I am smitten with the Highlands, and The Herbalist's Secret by Annabelle Marx just cemented that love.

This haunting tale of Kitty Maclean is told in dual POV by Greer, one of the present day caretakers, and Kitty herself. In May of 1889, Kitty Gray became Kitty Maclean. Thus began her journey to the turreted manor she would soon call home. With the arrival of Caitlin Black, long after Kitty has passed, more secrets are revealed about the lives and deaths at the isolated Ardbray House.

Curled up in your favorite reading spot on a chilly day, The Herbalist's Secret is the perfect book to read with a cozy cup of tea in hand.

Read this if you like:
• Books set in Scotland
• Foreboding manors
• Character-driven stories
• Cozy reads

This haunting debut novel is mostly set in the beautiful remote Highlands in Ardbray House. In the late 1880's it was the home for newlyweds Charles and Kitty McLean. Kitty was born in the wrong century as she wanted to work in medicine and go to college. But it wasn't the "done" thing and her mother felt it would be in her best interests to marry well. Hence the marriage to Charles, a factory owner, despite visiting her hometown of Glasgow, Kitty was happiest at Ardbray House, creating a home for her family and a Herbal Garden.
In 2003 Greer and Colin have been long term housekeeper and gardener at Ardbray House, the house has been for sale for years but needs a special owner, could Caitlin be the right person?
It's hard to believe this is a debut novel, I took the characters to my heart, I loved reading from Kitty's point of view, the frustration she felt when she was restricted from following her heart. I felt her devastation and helplessness. The descriptions of the Scottish Highlands were on point. I was enthralled in the book, it is a perfect dual timeline read.

It was 2003 and Greer Mackenzie and her husband Colin had been housekeepers of Ardbray House in Scotland's Highlands for a long time, and before Greer, her family had continued the tradition. Kitty had taken up residence in 1899 with her new husband Charles Maclean, and while he travelled back and forth to his cotton business in Glasgow, to start with, Kitty went with him. But it wasn't long before Charles spent his time in Glasgow and Kitty in Ardbray House. Kitty loved the big, sprawling mansion and soon built a herb garden, with her medical knowledge - from her father - helping her in knowing what to plant. Her fascination of herbalism, the books she devoured - all kept her content. Until a day, ten years later, when disaster struck...

When Caitlin Black arrived at Ardbray House in 2003, Greer had all but given up that the house would be sold. It had been fifty years since the last of the family left, and although Greer and Colin kept the place as best they could, renovations were sorely needed. Was Caitlin the person who would buy Ardbray House, and restore it to its former beauty? She did a lot of research, she loved the house and area - it could be so.

The Herbalist's Secret is the debut novel of Annabelle Marx and I found it astounding! So hard to believe it's the author's debut! Hauntingly beautiful writing, the dazzling picture of the loch which Ardbray House was beside, the mountains and isolation which surrounded it; outstanding! Kitty herself is an excellent character who fills her part with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both Glasgow and Ardbray House, and am keenly looking forward to the author's next novel. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

History, tragedy, love, loss.
This book enclose all of the above. Beautiful background in the Scottish Highlands.
A tragic story, with enough gothic vibe to please Lucinda Riley and Kate Morton fans.
If you love a ghost story, that is not scary, but beautifully woven, this book is for you.
The story builds up slowly, i feel a lot can be left out, and a bit more ghost encounters can be added. The book gets enthralling in the last 100 pages when the plot really thickens.
I couldn't stop reading once i finally hit the interesting part. I feel in the end a reunion was called for. Sadly it wasn't there.
Thank you for Storm Publishing and Netgalley.

The Herbalist's Secret
By: Annabelle Marx

4 Stars

This book brings the reader a story that has mystery, danger, and ghosts. This is a dual timeline story following Kitty and Greer, two women trapped in the same house, keeping the secrets it holds, safe, until the right time.

I found this story to be one filled with mystery and magic and my favorite....GHOSTS. The dual timeline gave the story depth and mystery. The characters were well described and easy to love and watch grow. I really enjoyed this story. It was well written and kept me engaged. I found parts to bring laughs while at others, the tears. Kitty and Greer both brought the story different views that really enlightens the reader throughout. This story is one that anyone would love if they love a good historical ghost story.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews