“They call me a witch, Liv, and maybe I am, in a manner of speaking.”

Olivia doesn’t believe in magic. No sensible person does. So why, after her dad’s accident, when she moves from London to Devon, does the hill speak to her? The hill’s guardian, Annie Tilke can’t, or won’t, explain.

At school, sparky Sadie takes her under her wing, but what about the smouldering Robert Enticott and the devoted but hopeless Wadsy? Are they friend or foe? Olivia’s dad isn’t getting better and her mum wants to move back to the city. Telling her parents she wants to stay in Devon to become a vet is the least of Olivia’s worries. Old Annie’s tormentors are becoming more menacing, the natural world is in trouble, and the mysterious voice on the hill has an urgent message that only she can interpret.

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Reviews:

Robert Macfarlane: The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot, Underland: A Deep Time Journey, Landmarks, The Lost Words.

“The Whispering Trees is a terrific book: at once haunting, witty and witchy, with the tang of the real to it as well as the shiver of the uncanny. Here are shades of Susan Cooper, echoes of Michael Morpurgo, all in a living landscape set just askew from what might be expected.”

Amanda Craig: The Lie of the Land, The Three Graces, The Golden Rule

Young Adult Book of the Year 13+ The New Statesman.

“It’s not often that you come across a novel that recollects Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising, Alan Garner’s The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and Lolly Willowes but this is such a book. Olivia discovers she is a young witch when her family moves from London to Devon. Her experiences of an intense, supernatural connection to the landscape, falling in love with a handsome farmer’s son, beginning to train as a vet and family troubles are woven into a lyrical story of danger and discovery. Highly recommended.”

Claire Reviews: Book Blog Link

“A compelling, emotive, and beautifully written tale of friendship. This is one of the most original books I have read in a long while, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

Maria Oliver: Once Upon a Time, You

“A thrilling tale about growing up, finding your own path, connecting with nature, and respecting our planet.  Set in the Devon countryside, it involves night-time adventures, the magic of nature and the bonds of intergenerational friendship.

I was excited to read this book as I love stories about magic, and I love teen books.  I didn’t expect the book to speak to me on so many levels as an older woman.

Liv, the main protagonist, is a teenage girl who has moved to Devon with her family.  She forms a friendship with Annie, an archetypal old crone, who specialises in herbalism and hedge witchcraft.  Annie used to be respected as a wisewoman and midwife, but is now shunned and disparaged due to malicious rumours.  Annie has a connection with the titular whispering trees on the hill behind her cottage, and is surprised to discover that Liv has this connection too.

The plot races along as Liv discovers more about the magic of the hill, stands up to her parents, raids a chicken farm and forms a relationship with a local young farmer. For me, it was the relationship between women and nature that really drew me in.  I love this empowering book for girls, showing two headstrong women from different generations, who won’t allow others to make decisions for them.

Tripfiction

“The Whispering Trees is a good story, well told. It is mysterious but also offers really insights into the worlds of nature and natural healing…A good book, and one that will hopefully make some Young Adults think a bit about our world.”

Witty and sarcastic book club

“While the hint of magic is what originally drew me in, it was the relationships that kept me eagerly reading. I’m a sucker for strong character development, and The Whispering Trees had it in spades. The way the people around her influenced and shaped Liv’s personality was both believable and interesting to read.

The descriptions were wonderful and painted a vivid picture of a place that I’ve never been yet felt familiar with by the last page. The author told a story that was meaningful, one that I would recommend to readers who enjoy watching characters come into their own. The final takeaway from a book such as this is one of peace and hope. I highly recommend it.”