Search - Wise Child (Doran, Bk 1)

Wise Child, a yong spoiled Scottish girl, is left parentless after her
grandmother passes away and the only villager who will take her in is
Juniper, the village herbalist and healer -and evil Witch- according
to Father Fillan. Scared, but secretly curious, Wise Child begins her
new life as a "Doran", where she learns how to live in rhythm with the
earth, according to the stars, the plants, and the energy and patterns
of nature. Life with Juniper is not easy, growing plants, and making
potions is hard work, and she is tempted by the offer of an easy life
from the powerful Sorcerer Maeve who is known to cause harm to anyone
who gets in her way. This sorcerer also happens to be Wise Child's
mother, who had abandoned her many years ago. Not sure who she should
live with, Wise Child is torn, but far more serious is the sickness
that comes to the village, and the rumors that Juniper is the cause of
this plague. Will the Dorans escape the dangerous situation? Although
this story is a "historical fiction" I can imagine that this is how
Witches may have lived a few hundred years ago. I would also recommend
this book as a simple way to introduce a positive and realistic
concept of Witchcraft, and the misunderstandings and intolerance that
surround it, to a curious individual of any age.

A treasured series in our household. Beautifully written and filled with magical insight. Waiting till our daughter is old enough for us to read it to her.

Great book!