Salt & Broom

by Sharon Lynn Fisher

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.

My Take

It’s been years since I read the original Jane Eyre. I don’t recall liking it that much. I liked this retelling of the story and the introduction of witchcraft and fairies.  I’m glad that these old classics have reached the point where they can be retold. I also enjoyed Nghi Vo’s retelling of The Great Gatsby, The Chosen and the Beautiful.