My reading journey this year has been incredibly rewarding, introducing me to brilliant new voices while allowing me to reconnect with familiar authors. I was so excited to hear that Barbara Erskine’s new book is out soon, and was happy to receive a copy to review and share with you here. I couldn’t put the book down, and it officially brings me to the halfway mark (12 of 24) for my 2026 Goodreads Reading Challenge.
The Valley of Ravens by Barbara Erskine
In the depths of the valley, two women, centuries apart, are bound by fate…
Present
Eve, desperate for a fresh start, arrives in the Valley of Ravens to restore a long-abandoned cottage.
Everyone knows the place is cursed. Why else would it be called “Tŷ’r Wrach”or The Witch’s House?
As Eve begins her renovations it becomes clear the place has a secret waiting to be uncovered, if only she can make the connection with the past.
Wales, 1260
Alys, a healer living in the depths of the valley, discovers Llewelyn – last true Prince of Wales – lying wounded on the battlefield. She tends him and her fate is forever bound to his.
Her vow to keep his final secret will echo through the centuries…
The book is based around events which took place in the 12th century, especially around the Wye Valley – although unfortunately Tŷ’r Wrach and the Valley of the Ravens aren’t real places. The descriptions were so real that I would have loved to have visited these places, although fortunately we are going to the Wye Valley in a few weeks and I can’t wait to immerse myself in the history and culture of the area.
I loved this book from the first page. I love the author’s style and enjoy the way she weaves history throughout her stories. The story is gripping and I liked the dual timeline and how the two central female characters were connected. There was plenty of drama and I really enjoyed the way everything came together in the last few chapters.
The new historical mystery from the No.1 Sunday Times bestseller Barbara Erskine is published on the 30th July 2026 byHarperCollins UK.
If you enjoyed this, you might love our other Barbara Erskine book reviews:
The Story Spinner by Barbara Erskine
The Dream Weavers by Barbara Erskine
