Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher is a witchy, magical retelling of Jane Eyre. It features a gifted healer named Jane Aire who takes a position at Thornfield Hall, a cursed estate with a mysterious and reclusive master, Edward Rochester.
Full disclosure: I had no idea this was a retelling of Jane Eyre. I’ve actually never read the original, so I wouldn’t have known anyway! I have a habit of judging books by their covers; when I see one that looks cool, especially if it mentions magic or ghosts, I’m sold. I love spooky things, so I grabbed this audiobook immediately. It might not always be a great habit to buy books based on a cover and a few lines of description, but hey, most of the time I get lucky! I really enjoyed this novel.
“In the pause before his answer, I heard the distant screech of a barn owl. Then a nightingale warbled from a nearby hedge. The first could be a warning; the second suggested a mystery or . . . love. Or just a bird singing in the hedge. Reading signs was rather an imprecise art.”
The story offers magic, mystery, and romance, and it doesn’t shortchange you on any of them. I’d say the mystery is the strongest element, and the magic is incredibly refreshing. Instead of flashy superpowers, the characters use herbs and potions. It reminded me of the old show Charmed, where they’d put recipes together to craft spells. I think that’s so cool and feels surprisingly realistic, more scientific in a way, which I found fascinating.
The book is definitely a slow burn. It drags in some parts, and occasionally it feels like not much is happening. But the strange thing is, even when you think it should be boring, it’s not. Each page offers something interesting or a question that needs answering. Every time you start a new chapter, you’re looking forward to what happens next. The slow burn works because you’re constantly receiving new information while being left on the edge of your seat.
“Something in my chest melted and pooled like candle wax. They were the loveliest words anyone had ever spoken to me. I will not abandon you.”
I also loved that the main character was realistic. Jane isn’t some overpowered, gorgeous woman; she’s described as a “plain Jane,” and that’s the beauty of her. I loved how “regular” she and Mr. Rochester were. They aren’t some untouchable power couple like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, they’re relatable. Knowing that normal people can have adventures and happy endings made me enjoy the novel even more.
“No female of my family had survived, and I wasn’t about to let my thoughts wander in any direction that might result in the installation of another one on the estate.”
The book occasionally shifts to Mr. Rochester’s point of view. It was unexpected, but I enjoyed his inner monologue, hearing his thoughts, his fears about his feelings for Jane, and his reasons why. He wasn’t overbearing or unrealistic. He had his shortcomings, but he proved to be a good guy. These two characters become entangled without even touching. While it’s a bit “book-ish” for characters to fall in love in just three or four days, the author makes it believable. Their bond grows through opening up, trusting one another, and experiencing “wicked” things together.
I can usually figure out a plot pretty quickly, but this novel had me constantly questioning the truth. I assumed Mrs. Rochester was just a pissed-off ghost, but the twist at the end was a welcome surprise. I was genuinely shocked! Even if the resolution felt a little anticlimactic, it was entertaining enough that I’d read it again.
“I knew this was how I’d remember him. Not as the thorny gentleman in black. It surprised me how this weighed on my heart. Heaven help me, he’s becoming dear to me.”
This story wasn’t quite what I expected, but in a good way. You get a collection of likable, believable characters, a story of herbal magic, and “kitty cats” with secrets. My mom has read the original Jane Eyre, and when I told her about this book, she was surprised by how much they had in common. I think I might actually have to read the original now!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries and romance. Just know it’s a bit of a slow burn, but it gives you enough in every chapter to keep you wanting more. I enjoyed every bit of this audiobook and was sad when it ended.
Rating: 4/5 Stars!
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