The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair by Natasha Hastings

This was one of my most anticipated books and it did not disappoint! It's full of mouth-watering treats and magical scenery. Delicious, frosty and eerie in equal measures!

I have to say the beginning really wasn't what I was expecting, especially from the sweet and sparkly cover and title. But moving on there's a lot of fun as well as the sadness Thomasina feels for her brother and what happened to her family. There are many uplifting moments. I was so happy every time Thomasina made new friends, especially as she had seemed so lonely before. I so wanted everything to work out for her but I couldn't help being suspicious of Inigo, even though he sounded utterly friendly and genuine. The way it was written had me second guessing myself throughout!

It's so amazing and wonderful to think of the first time the Thames froze over completely, the first time London held a Frost Fair. I'd never thought about it before, how it all started. The Other Frost Fair sounds so beautiful and magical, but underneath it has an eerie and sinister feeling. Despite this I imagine such a sparkling place, with so many new wonders every time Thomasina and Inigo visit.

Book Summary

It’s a cold winter during the Great Frost of 1683. Thomasina and Anne are the best of friends, one running her father’s sweet shop and the other the apprentice at the family apothecary – together they sell their goods on the frozen River Thames. When a family tragedy turns Thomasina’s world upside down, she is drawn to a mysterious conjuror and the enchanted frost fair.

But soon the world of Father Winter threatens to claim everything she holds dear. Will they be able to solve the magical mysteries that surround them . . . ?

Author Bio

Natasha Hastings started developing The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair while studying history at Cambridge University, where she focused on gender and mental illness. While exploring these topics, she became determined to have the lives of working women, as well as their experiences of mental illness in this period, form the heartbeat of her debut book, The Frost Fair.

I've used the pear, honey and lemon flavours Thomasina and Anne make their sweets from to create the Sweetmaker's Cocktail. In a tall glass filled with ice, pour 60ml of Creme de Poire, 20ml vodka, add a dash of honey, then top with lemonade. Garnish with whatever sweet treats you have handy.