Though part of a series, Solstice can be read as a standalone. While I thoroughly enjoyed Steadman's writing and Mackie's narration, I think what is most impressive is how Steadman manages to accomplish so much in under 300 pages. No moment is wasted and no detail is sacrificed. From page one, Steadman's prose and precise characters seamlessly welcome readers into a very specific community at a very specific time in history. We see events through the eyes of two distinct POVs whose unerring characterizations help capture the essence of that time and the stakes of the story. As someone who loves historical fiction, it was a pleasure to dip into this world so efficiently and effectively. I received Solstice as part of LT's Early Reviewers program.
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I received this as an audio book and enjoyed the reader very much. I didn’t pay attention to the fact it is part of a series but felt it was a strong as a stand alone. This was an interesting study on how rumors and assumptions can ruin someone’s life and how evil some people can be. ( )

I was lucky enough to read the two predecessors of Solstice, Widdershins and Sunwise by Helen Steadman. Solstice wraps up this trilogy of the Newcastle Witch Trials perfectly. It has been twenty five years since the last witchfinder John Sharpe disappeared. His puritanical legacy was incredibly wicked and violent toward women, especially medicinal healers. Unfortunately even though he has been long gone some of the 'Christian' values he embraced and touted have remained. Rose is a beautiful young country girl whose grandmother and stepmother have passed down their knowledge of herbal medicine to her. When a new minister and his rabidly puritanical daughter arrive in the small dale of Mutton Clog they set out to squash all hints of paganism. Patience, the daughter sees Rose as a threat as her brother, Earnest is instantly attracted to her. He has created trouble in the past with other women which ended up banishing their family to Mutton Clog, Patience takes matters in to her own hands and vows to rid their new home of any type of witchcraft, real or not. This is a tale of good versus evil where the evil is cloaked by Christianity. It's not necessary to read the other novels before reading Solstice but I would recommend doing so. I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy and recommend all three of the novels. 5 solid stars. ( )

I didn't enjoy this book, however the soothing story effectively wins you, over negating any concerns. The story had missing elements, which I am going to chalk up to being the 3rd installment of a series, and you can tell the author has a great writing touch by the depth of world building. It is a deep, well fleshed out environment for these characters to exist in, and I can see a certain type of reader really enjoying this series. It's not my favorite, and would do with the first two parts to understand the 'rules' and understanding of the world as it is established by the writer, but this is just okay for me. ( )

I listened to the audio version of Solstice and was pulled in to the gripping tale from the beginning. Centering around a minister and his family who have been banished to a Scottish Dale in the 17th C., forced to contend with local traditions, seen as pagan and unholy by the family. The story is told from two perspectives: the minister's self righteous, misguided daughter and a young woman in the community. I often lose interest in historic fictions books, but was drawn in by the characters in Solstice and was rapt until the end. ( )