Written by C.M. Cornwell
New York : Delacorte Press, 2025. Fiction. 281 pages.
Fantasy is a genre that I don't often read. When I finish a good fantasy book, I always ask myself why I don't read more of them! This book made me ask myself that exact question. Lavender is a young girl who is struggling after the death of her mother. Her father doesn't like talking about the family's loss, and Lavender feels very alone in knowing how to grieve and cope with her feelings. Making the grieving process even harder for Lavender is the fact that she is struggling to hold on to memories of her mother.
The family runs an apothecary shop where Lavender is an apprentice. She has dreamed of her apprenticeship for a long time, putting in a lot of work to show her father she is a valuable asset. Unfortunately, while working side by side with her father, Lavender starts to notice that memories of her mother aren't the only thing she is having a hard time recalling. Names and facts about basic ingredients as well as recipes for medicinal balms and healing ointments are also increasingly difficult to remember.
While struggling to know what to do about her memory, she ends up being drawn to the magic of a local enchantress. Her best friend, who she has been fighting with, warns her that utilizing the skills of the enchantress can only lead to danger and heartache. Lavender is torn between taking his counsel, and the desperation she feels over her memory loss.
I loved the characters in this book, and found myself cheering for everyone (even a few times for the villain). In addition to being a delightful fantasy book, it has the potential for starting some great discussions about the process of making good choices, and dealing with consequences for actions. The book could also help children who have lost a loved one understand that everyone grieves in different ways, and help them feel less isolated if they struggle to know how to handle their emotions. Put this book on your list to read soon!
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