LoveReading4Kids Says
December 2023 Debut of the Month
Set in 1683 when it was so cold that the Thames froze, and the inhabitants of London were able to hold a fair on the thick ice this novel weaves authentic historical fact with a glorious ‘baddy’ in the shape of Father Winter.
When her brother dies from an asthma attack Thomasina’s life becomes grief laden and much harder, as she must work in the family bakery in his stead, whilst also looking after her ailing, bed-ridden mother. Overwhelmed with guilt at Arthur’s death Thomasina is tricked and drawn to a mysterious magician who promises her that he can bring Arthur back. In return she will lose all her memories of Arthur – temporarily – a small price to pay, she thinks. Of course, the magician is a trickster who takes her memories whilst seeming to keep moving the goalposts of the promised results.
This is a fascinating tale, packed with period detail that will appeal to budding historians, whilst also creating a strange and alternative Frost Fair, seen only at midnight, full of wonders and mysteries, but with many hidden threats.
A cracking adventure that will appeal to many.
Tricia Adams
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The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair Synopsis
A spellbinding and unforgettable tale of deep friendship, glittering magic and enchanting mystery, perfect for fans of Tamzin Merchant, Abi Elphinstone and Anna James.
The Great Frost of 1683 has London in its icy grip. Thomasina and her best friend Anne sell sweets on the frozen Thames, amid rumours of the magical Frost Fair that awakens there at night. They say if you can find the fair, Father Winter himself will grant you any wish. And Thomasina has an impossible wish: the return of her twin brother, Arthur.
But once they discover Father Winter’s kingdom, Thomasina and Anne quickly realize the Frost Fair is not what it seems – and that some wishes never come for free.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780008496081 |
| Publication date: |
26th October 2023 |
| Author: |
Natasha Hastings |
| Illustrator: |
Alex T. Smith |
| Publisher: |
HarperCollins an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
400 pages |
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Natasha Hastings Press Reviews
‘A gloriously told, wonderfully wintry debut, Hastings' beautifully evocative historical novel is set during the Great Frost of 1683 and revolves around two girls drawn into the sinister world of a mysterious conjuror’ Waterstones, Books of the Year 2022
'Spooky and haunting – what struck me most about this historical fiction/fantasy story for children was the high quality of the writing' Philippa Gregory, bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl
‘An exciting and mysterious debut’ Editor’s Choice in The Bookseller
‘A gripping, atmospheric, fantastical tale of atonement’ Kirkus Magazine (USA)
‘A great, fast-paced book full of adventure – and I feel lucky to have had my hands on a yet-to-be published copy’ Books up North
‘A haunting story of loss and of love, this book crackles with icy atmosphere’ inews.co.uk, 30 best children’s books for Christmas 2022
‘A heartwarming, wintry treat of a read perfect to snuggle up with on cold, snowy days’ Hannah Gold, bestselling author of The Last Bear
‘A lovely, frosty debut that combines cosy details and a pacy adventure with thoughtful explorations of grief and responsibility’ Anna James, bestselling author of the Pages & Co. series
‘Spooky and haunting’ Philippa Gregory
‘Exciting and mysterious’ The Bookseller
‘A gripping, atmospheric, fantastical tale’ Kirkus
About Natasha Hastings
Natasha Hastings was selected to join The London Library's Emerging Writers Programme in 2019. Currently working as a fundraiser, she started developing The Frost Fair while studying History at Cambridge University, where she focused on gender and mental illness. She became determined, while exploring these topics, to have the lives of working women form the heartbeat of The Frost Fair. Alex T. Smith is an award-winning illustrator of children's books including the Claude series. He is a World Book Day Illustrator.
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