What do readers think of Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan? Write your own review.

Thistlemarsh was a slower read for me. I enjoyed the story, but found I had to keep putting it down and coming back it after a break. Many characters, mixed storylines, magic, war and destruction, trust and betrayal, lies and truths - a lot of elements are mixed into this book that both kept me interested and required time away to absorb the plot. The romance between the main characters was managed without being overly romantic which was a plus for me. Strong and clever female characters were well-developed. I enjoyed the layers between the human and faerie worlds and how the manor was both restored, subsequently destroyed and then a new home rebuilt.

This was the perfect book to cure my reading blahs. It was an easy read yet it kept my attention. It had just what I needed, Fae, A historical setting in the English countryside and romance (without being too much.) I don't need to go into the plot as it is stated in the Book Description tells you enough to pique your interest. If you are looking for a book to take you away from all that is currently going on in this world, grab Thistlemarsh. You will come away refreshed with a smile on your face!

Note: A 4 star is a Very High rating from me. I reserve 5 for a rare few that are absolutely the best of the best.

Thistlemarsh is an enchanting fantasy novel set in post WWI England. The main character is Mouse Dunne, a war nurse who inherits a run-down magical estate. But she must restore the entire home and property in one month or she will lose them to her evil cousin. She makes a bargain with a mysterious fairie. Thornwood. Magic is a main element in this novel. I appreciated the way magic is a part of ordinary life. Mouse and Thornwood form an unusual partnership. I learned much about how fairies see humans and how they negotiate with them. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy fantasy but also enjoy an English WWI era setting

Engaging and immensely enjoyable.

Thistlemarsh is a sweet fairy-human romance story that does read more like a YA novel, than an adult work. Beyond that, the novel is well written with characters who are ones you will root for. Mouse, the main character, is a strong female with a complicated past. I enjoyed the references to World War I and the damage that so many incurred because of it. I found that war is not as prevalent in literature and the author does a great job. Also well done was the difficulty for Gays during this time and the very real threat of being sent to prison. The book, however, is mostly whimsy, fantasy and romance and leaves you with a happy heart. Many thanks to Bookbrowse.com, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing for the free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This charming combination of faerie stories and historical fiction included timely concerns, a romance subplot, puzzles and challenges the pair needed to overcome, and a look at what it means to be human.

I found myself loving Thistlemarsh as much for what it deliberately avoids as for what it includes. Set in the English countryside just after World War I—a refreshing change from the more familiar WWII backdrop—the novel feels grounded, thoughtful, and quietly confident in its choices. The story is firmly female-driven, with romance present but never overpowering the narrative.

It weaves together a lost family fortune, delightfully convoluted inheritance requirements, and faerie elements into a story that feels genuinely comforting without being simplistic. The setting does much of the heavy lifting, creating a sense of place that feels immersive and restorative. This was exactly the kind of restorative cozy read I hadn't realized I needed.

I liked that this book was set post WWII and included human and fairy interactions. I thought the author did a great job with the character development of MFC; however, I would have liked more depth into the MMC.