Book Review: The Three Witches by Elena Collins
For the Rachel’s Random Resources Blog Tour
The Three Witches by Elena Collins
Thank you to Elena Collins and the team at Rachel’s Random Resources for an advance copy of the novel Three Witches by Elena Collins. I’ll be providing a review (see further down), but first, more about the book.
Book Description
Now: When Ruthie gets the part of one of Macbeth’s famous three witches she can’t wait to get started. Inspired by the beauty of the film’s Scottish locations and the camaraderie of the cast and crew, she can leave behind the expectations of her family and her lacklustre love life, at least for now. But as echoes from the past begin whispering in Ruthie’s ear and a restless spirit draws her further into its centuries-old secrets, it soon becomes clear that only she can uncover the truth of a terrible injustice.
1050 Scotland: Isobel and her two sisters have learnt about healing from their loving mother Sidheag, and she in turn has kept them safe. But without the protection of their late father, Sidheag knows that her daughters must find husbands or their futures are at risk.
Isobel believes in love over duty and when she catches sight of King Macbeth’s stepson Lulach she can picture a happiness she had hardly dare imagine. But as heir to a Scottish throne that is drenched in blood, Lulach’s destiny is to be a warrior. When Isobel’s actions leave her and her sisters vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft there may be nothing that can keep the three women safe, not even the great Macbeth himself.
As the calls from the past grow ever louder, Ruthie has no choice. Macbeth’s witches have a story that needs to be told and the truth can no longer stay hidden…
My Review
I really enjoyed reading this book. Easy, unpretentious prose (which I like), dual timeline (always fun), witches (again, always fun), a myth, and a touch of Shakespeare.
To be honest, I’ve never seen or read the ‘Scottish Play’ but we’ve all heard about it, and the curse. When I was a child, I had a book of poetry and one of the poems was the Witches spell ‘Hubble Bubble, Boil and Trouble’ which I had memorised. I had no idea at the time it was from Macbeth - I thought it was a real spell!
I’m going off track again…
I’m never that fussed about the present-day storyline in dual timelines but the idea of using an actor and a documentary production was inspired (helped them discuss the possible history), but I loved the one in the past. I loved the fact that ‘toe of newt’ and ‘eye of frog’ were actually plants - herbal remedies, in essence. I also loved the fact that the author ground the idea of a myth into a plausible history, building on what was known from actual history and what Shakespeare said, and adding in some supernatural elements.
I also loved the book cover.
This book will be a great success as it hits many of the right tropes, entices you with magic, myth, real history, and a bit of Shakespeare. Definitely one for your ‘to be read’ pile.
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheThreeWitches
Author Bio
Elena Collins is the pseudonym for Judy Leigh, the million-selling author of Five French Hens , The Old Girls' Network and The Silver Haired Sisterhood. Judy writes uplifting novels in the 'second chances' and ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction. Elena Collins' novels are historical/ dual timelines. In 2025, her novel The Wicked Lady received the RNA award in this category. Judy has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.
Social Media Links
Facebook: @judyleighuk
Twitter: @JudyLeighWriter
Instagram: @judyrleigh
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/ElenaCollinsnewsletter