Another fine book by J.J. Barnes! Some of you may remember my review six months ago of Barnes’ Emerald Wren and Coven of Seven. Well, Gracemarch is her latest fantasy novel and it has a terrific backstory to it. It seems an old friend/producer of the JJ’s came to her and asked her to write a short (15 min.) fantasy script. He loved her story so much, he asked for a longer script…that turned into a request for a 13 episode series…but then it all got shut down by COVID. Not wanting to waste a good story, JJ turned it into a novel until production can restart on the series. You can read more about the movie version, and all the amazing actors involved, on the Gracemarch website.
Jane Waters lives a mundane life, working as a waitress, and with a boyfriend who doesn’t seem to care. Her sister, Cassie Waters, is a glamorous horror writer, traveling the world, and far too busy to listen to Jane’s woes. The two sisters live very different lives, disconnected from one another, and unaware of a family secret that’s about to come to light.
When their mother dies unexpectedly, Jane and Cassie are pushed back together. Their lives become intertwined as they explore the mysteries their childhood home holds, and remember their sister Susie who died tragically when they were little.
Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve been fascinated by the occult and witchcraft. I even own my own set of tarot cards that I used to read quite often, but now sit wrapped in a scarf in the back of a drawer somewhere. So, Gracemarch is right in my ballpark when it comes to being attention grabbing. I found the main character, Jane, to be really relatable, and her sister Cassie to be on-point when it comes to the haughty-taughty Hollywood type. And the characters relate as any true sisters would. When they discover the secret magical family history, it tests their already strained relationship until they realize how much they need each other if they wish to survive.
It took my just 24 hours to read this book…the story will keep you enthralled! And, at just $7.33 for the Kindle version, this is a great book to pass time in the cool autumn/Halloween weather while we all wait for the movie version! And for that reason…
I rate this book, 4 out of 4 Beetles!
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