The Vicar's Daughter

Will she a woman of too much freedom be endangered because of it ...

I first saw this book offered on Netgalley, but as I am often running after my arc-to-read list, I was a bit reluctant to put me a bit behind again. Then it was advertised in two different authors newsletter, so after pondering if I could read it or not, I made a beeline for it, eager to meet this ghost cat.
I am a quick reader, so I wrongly thought I would wipe it in a few hours, this one is no fast read if it must be enjoyed. Don’t misread me, I do not say it in the bad way, it is a dense book with a very unconventional heroine. You can’t skip a line, else you miss something in the plot.

So now imagine it is Halloween’s eve, it is raining outside, you’re cozy on the couch snuggled in a warm blanket, a cup of tea, a fur pet at close reach and now you are ready for this full of goosebumps story.

Prudence is quite the opposite of his name, she is more one to jump straight in any place she should not be than reflect and ponder what she must do.
She tries but her independent streak more than ever leads her to dive where she should not be found. Still she is a woman in advance for time why she finds herself shunned from all sides.
Her position as a woman is not an easy one, by taking on her vicar of a father’s mantle, she borders heresy, healing her fellows, she is close to witchcraft, her sharp tongue angers many people and so on.
She makes men uncomfortable, her self-determination and education threatening their short view of life.
Thus how, soon, in her new place she finds herself menaced. While she makes friends, she also makes enemies.
The whole story is told from her point of view with from time to time at some chapters’ opening a few insights of Trenholm’s thoughts, when he is in residence.
Trenholm is a conundrum, he plays hot and cold with Prudence. So where does his affection lie?
After his patience is quite tested with Prudence propensity to run into danger.

Mrs Bancroft crafted this tale like a treat for every historical fiction lover, its gothic side and the many twists and turns are the icing on the cake. This is a pastry to savor lengthily to sample every single flavor.
5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

A woman ahead of their time is often accused of being to forward and a bluestocking, However, Prudence wasn’t only intelligent she also did healing and while her father the current Vicar’s health was failing she rendered sympathetic prayer aid. She was accused of overstepping the bounds of a woman and into a mans world and not only that, but the secular society! She could be condemned as a witch with her healing abilities if she were not careful. When her father passed, Prudence had to leave the area and went to Cornwall where this area was even steeped in even more superstitious beliefs. Poor Prudence was going to soon find herself between a rock and a hard place!
This author had a way of keeping you spinning from one twist to another and even though it started out slow the book picked up and became quite enjoyable. I just wish there were more interaction between Prudence and Gryffn.

Thank you to the authors and publishers who work diligently for us the readers.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.