When witch trials meet actual witchcraft, you get a story that’s both historically grounded and thrillingly magical. Cynthia Raleigh’s Summoning the Winds: The Lanthorne Ordinary Witches deliver exactly that, a captivating tale that weaves together historical witch trial hysteria with genuine magic hiding in plain sight.
A Protagonist Worth Rooting For
Yarrow Pickering is everything I want in a protagonist: a skilled herbalist, proprietor of the Lanthorne Ordinary (tavern), and secret witch living among the very townspeople conducting preposterous witch trials. Along with her sister Tansy, Yarrow has built a life in Milthorpe Village, but their deep roots in the community won’t protect them from the paranoia sweeping through town. As Yarrow tries to heal and protect falsely accused women, she must hide her own abilities, even as someone plots her demise.
The Central Question That Changes Everything
Raleigh poses a fascinating question through Yarrow herself: “…a true witch, unless somehow debilitated or otherwise neutralized, won’t be executed… they won’t be discovered at all… Would a true witch allow herself to be broken, torn, seared, and killed if she had any power to stop it?”
This question leads to brilliant twists I won’t spoil, but trust me—the very households prosecuting these women harbor sinister secrets of their own. Yarrow must rely on her gifts and her familiars (including Smidgens, a protective crow) to fight the evil threatening her.
Sisterhood and Magic
What resonates most is the bond between the Pickering sisters, two women who lost their parents young and carved out their place in the world through courage, business acumen, and magic. Their connection feels authentic and powerful.
Romance That Crackles
The romance between Yarrow and Judicious (Jude) crackles with tension. When he witnesses her doing something impossible, the stakes become achingly personal: will he accept her true nature or join the persecutors?
Why This Book Works
Raleigh maintains momentum throughout, escalating both action and danger as the plot unfolds. Watching Yarrow wield her magic and call upon her woodland protectors kept me completely engrossed. The spellwork feels genuinely magical, and Yarrow never surrenders without a fight.
I’m already eager for book two to see where Yarrow and Jude’s relationship leads and what becomes of Milthorpe Village. Summoning the Winds isn’t just perfect for spooky season—it’s an enchanting read any time of year.
Highly recommended!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Witches, Paranormal Suspense
Perfect for fans of: Historical witch stories with actual magic, strong sisterhood bonds, slow-burn romance, and atmospheric settings
Have you read Summoning the Winds? What did you think of Yarrow’s journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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