Today’s book review is about THE FAIRY BARGAINS OF PROSPECT HILL by Rowenna Miller. This historical fantasy set in the early 1900s tackles themes of family, self-discovery, and unhealthy domestic relationships.
Author: Rowenna Miller
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Redhook
Publish Date: March 28, 2023
Print Length: 416
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The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill Synopsis
Synopsis
In the early 1900s, two sisters must navigate the magic and the dangers of the Fae in this enchanting and cozy historical fantasy about sisterhood and self-discovery.
There is no magic on Prospect Hill–or anywhere else, for that matter. But just on the other side of the veil is the world of the Fae. Generations ago, the first farmers on Prospect Hill learned to bargain small trades to make their lives a little easier–a bit of glass to find something lost, a cup of milk for better layers in the chicken coop.
Much of that old wisdom was lost as the riverboats gave way to the rail lines and the farmers took work at mills and factories. Alaine Fairborn’s family, however, was always superstitious, and she still hums the rhymes to find a lost shoe and to ensure dry weather on her sister’s wedding day.
When Delphine confides her new husband is not the man she thought he was, Alaine will stop at nothing to help her sister escape him. Small bargains buy them time, but a major one is needed. Yet, the price for true freedom may be more than they’re willing to pay.
The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill Review
I received a free, advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher. However, I ended up reading the published e-book borrowed from my library. My review is my own and reflects my honest opinion about this book.
THE FAIRY BARGAINS OF PROSPECT HILL is a historical fantasy set in the early 1900s. For several generations one family lived on Prospect Hill, farming the land with their neighbors, including sisters Alaine and Delphine. Their family has always used minor fairy bargains to make life a little easier, particularly with farming. However, Delphine decides she wants to leave their family land and marries a businessman and budding politician in town. Once married, Delphine’s husband doesn’t turn out to be as charming. After confiding in Alaine, Alaine tries to help by pushing the knowledge of fairy bargains, which is always risky business to do.
This book alternates between the two sisters’ points of view. The sisters are slightly older (not teens), which makes the book feel more mature. Through Alaine the reader learns about how she is basically the head of the family. She has a level head on her shoulders and knows how to run the family farm. She even wants to help her neighbor farmers and runs for a local election to try to make a difference. Delphine, the younger sister, was always more interested in the more artistic side of life. As such, she was happy to let Alaine run the farm. Even so, she always felt overshadowed by Delphine and so sees this marriage as one of love as well as a new, more exciting life in the town instead of on the hill.
As the story progresses, Alaine becomes concerned for Delphine. Alaine sees how Delphine’s husband treats her when around family. And when it becomes physical, Alaine becomes even more willing to push fairy bargain boundaries. This is especially dangerous because no one knows the repercussions of these untested bargains. Day-to-day fairy bargains are old, known, tested, and passed down the family, so everyone knows what to expect from them.
Although this story moves at a slower pace, I wasn’t bored by it. Miller characters the sisters well and each is strong in their own way. I think the languid pace makes it feel like the historical fantasy it is, featuring old cars and train rides to get into town. Miller’s writing is solid and hits that nice middle ground of descriptive and engaging.
Ultimately, THE FAIRY BARGAINS OF PROSPECT HILL is a story about family and understanding what one wants. As folks set off into the world with an ideal life in mind, they may realize it’s not exactly what they want, and so must adjust their expectations and desires. It’s an important act of self-growth to make a life of one’s own and carve out a niche. But that doesn’t necessarily mean one has to completely cast off ties to the life one had before, particularly if those times were good and filled with love.
This book is also about recognizing a bad relationship, even if it may not have the hallmark physical abuse, and having the courage to leave. Lack of attention and subtle control of decisions are not typically signs of a happy marriage. And poor Delphine tries her best, considering she has excellent examples of healthy relationships.
Pick up THE FAIRY BARGAINS OF PROSPECT HILL if you enjoy a slightly slower-paced historical fantasy that focuses on family.
Rating: 4
Content warnings: animal death, gore, physical abuse
Reading format: Kindle e-book
If you liked this book, you may also enjoy THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER and THE SCHOLAR AND THE LAST FAERIE DOOR, both by H.G. Parry.
I really liked this too. She’s two for two with me, so at this point I’ll pick up anything she writes😁
I don’t know when I’ll get around to her other one, but it’s definitely on my radar!
I remember seeing really good review for this book when it came out, and your review is a great reminder that I still need to read this one! Thanks for sharing — it sounds terrific.
I hope you enjoy it when you get around to reading it! 🙂
This sounds brilliant. I always love a slow paced book that doesn’t drag and I love the sound of this one.
I didn’t feel it dragged, which is what I was afraid of after seeing some mixed reviews. If you read it, I hope you like it!
This sounds very good! I am totally okay with something being slower paced if it’s well written and this sounds right up my alley (especially the inclusion of the fae)
I agree with you…I don’t mind a slower pace if it’s well written. If you pick this one up, I hope you enjoy it!