The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair: The perfect new fantasy adventure for 2022

Product Information

The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair by Natasha Hastings is a heart-warming middle-grade historical fantasy that I finished a few days ago and loved every minute of. It was actually a really long read and despite how ill I’ve been feeling this week, I would have loved to follow these characters’ journey for a lot longer, so I hope it will be a series. Thomasina must turn to Anne, her best friend, to stop this mysterious conjurer from taking more than just her memories of her brother should she ever truly wish to unburden herself and be able to move on from her past. Will she succeed or will the siren song of the other Frost Fair and the possible reconciliation with her brother prove too alluring to resist? Bestselling author Alexandra Christo, author of TikTok sensation To Kill a Kingdom, introduces her new book, The Night Hunt (Hot Key Books), a dark... A spellbinding and unforgettable tale of deep friendship, glittering magic and enchanting mystery, perfect for fans of Tamzin Merchant, Abi Elphinstone and Anna James.

The year is 1683, and the River Thames is transformed almost over night by the Great Frost which sees what is usually a route for trade, become something all the more magical, wondrous and perhaps with more than a hint of bite to the ice…. The story starts off with an achingly heartbreaking scene and it was actually horrifying to watch it unfold. I have to admit it wasn't the best first impression I got about our main character but she's a child who never meant any harm—plus, she definitely carried the guilt with her for all the years to come. When we reunite with Thomasina and her parents in the present day of the story, we see a broken family who's torn apart by their loss and who are each lost to their debilitating grief. I found the plot unique in how it utilises grief and sadness as a weapon wielded by the villain of the story. I don't think I've read an MG fantasy where sadness sates evil's hunger, so that was definitely cool. I read this book for a blog tour, so thank you to the blog tour organiser for letting me take part on this tour, and thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to read and review. All opinions are my own. What I loved about The Miraculous Sweetmaker is how although it is set in 1683 how relatable to today this story is. This is a tale of a young girl who has gone through such sadness in her life and is willing to do anything to make things better again. She is lonely and feels like she doesn’t have anyone until she meets Anne, the apothecary apprentice who has just moved in with her uncle.

Synopsis

Thomasina is an appealing protagonist, her drive and ambition contrasted by the guilt and grief she carries. When she is made a miraculous offer we can see why she grasps at it. Thank you to the author Natasha Hastings for sending me a proof copy in exchange for an honest review. The plot is focused, never straying away from the center. This, along with the artwork, keeps the pace fast and easy to read. I loved the way death, grief, and depression are handled in the story. Tough subjects, to be sure, but they are born with so much love and empathy that I think my heart grew two sizes by opening it up to the story and the characters.

It’s the 1680s and health information is limited at best and asthma is not the only disability representation present in The Frost Fair. No one understands what is happening with Thomasina’s mother and neighbours band together to have her institutionalised. I applaud Hastings for such a well written storyline about mental health and including it in a children’s book. It’s a cold winter during the Great Frost of 1683. Thomasina and Anne are the best of friends, one running her father’s sweet shop and the other the apprentice at the family apothecary – together they sell their goods on the frozen River Thames. When a family tragedy turns Thomasina’s world upside down, she is drawn to a mysterious conjuror and the enchanted frost fair. Jerman said: "I fell in love with Natasha Hastings’story. With classic fantasy elements that nod to beloved favorites, an incredibly imaginative magic system based on sorrow and memories, a delightfully brave main character, and a fantastic setting, The Miraculous Sweetmakers will be a great addition to our HarperCollins Children’s Books list." You don’t have to be the same as you always were. People change when things happen to them. It isn’t a bad thing.”

ISBN

Author Anna Kemp introduces The Hollow Hills, the sequel to her dark magical tale, Into Goblyn Wood. When everything seems too good to be true, Thomasina starts questioning the rules and things take an unexpectedly dark turn. Thankfully, with the help of new friends, Thomasina realizes her strength and makes some brave decisions to help save herself and her family.