Being a Witch, and Other Things I Didn't Ask For (historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/ratchet-the-rel) Paperback – 6 Feb 2017

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Review ------ Mill City Press 2017 Awards Winner--2nd in Fantasy Rachel, who prefers to be called [Raya], is 14 and in foster care, as her mum has mental issues. She runs away but bizarre things begin to happen to her. Rachel is unaware she is a witch and accidentally travels back in time to the Essex Witch Trials. Aghast, she tries to understand more and familiarise herself withher special skills, mentored by a witch social worker and a telphathic cat. They must escape - but things do not go as planned and an even bigger adventure awaits. It's a rollercoaster plot with gorgeous historical detail and fabulous characters. Due to some colourful language, I would recommend it for older teens and adult fans of Harry Potter who are missing their fix of wizardry. I think people will really take to thoroughly modern Ratchet and her adventures. -The Sun, London [Raya] is a troubled fourteen-year-old who is tired of living in foster care and desperate to find her own way in the world. When she runs away to London, not only does she find that living her life without adult interference is quite different, but also she discovers she has started to develop rather unusual witch-like powers. This new skill is called into question when she is unexpectedly transported back in time to the seventeenth century, back to when life was very different. Testing her reserve to the limit, [Raya] must learn how to cope with her new powers whilst at the same time trying to save her friends from danger. ed at the juvenile market, this book is an imaginatively written timeslip novel, which I think would appeal mainly to eleven to fourteen year olds, and and to girls rather than boys. The mystery at the heart of the novel is well explained as is [Raya's] role, and even though the story appears quite light hearted in places, its underlying message of love, loyalty and friendship is nicely explored and strongly focused. Professionally produced to a very high standard with appropriately designed cover art, there is much to enjoy about the story. The historical element sits comfortably alongside the modern-day setting and there is enough action to keep interest alive until the end."-The Historic Novel Society 'A rollercoaster plot with gorgeous historical detail and fabulous characters...Magical.' The Sun, London An imaginatively written time-slip novel...[with] its underlying message of love, loyalty and friendship...[and] action until the end. The Historical Novel Society From the Author --------------- I wrote this story because there are I have found these 3 issues to be para! 1) The plight of foster children and what this experience is like. 2) That ALL cultures have good and bad. Specifically, I wanted to address the anti-muslim hatred that has been fomented in recent years in 'the west'. Here, I share a different time in history when the majority Muslim Ottoman Empire was light years ahead in infrastructure (running hot and cold water and plumbed toilets), women's rights and not only tolerance, but support of diversity, compared to the superstitious countries of Europe where many groups were legally excluded or executed. (There are numerous diaries of Viennese women who ran away to the Ottoman Empire where the enjoyed many more rights and protection from abuse). There were horrible aspects of the Ottoman culture as well, such as castrating slaves and brothers killing each other to seal their own power, and these realities are also included. 3) Emotional healing--Raya's journey can serve as example to all of us who carry such wounds, that work-arounds are possible!