Imagine Anne of Green Gables meeting Howl’s Moving Castle in a witch’s forest—a delightful fusion of charm, magic, and self-discovery.
The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett is a gem of a book that dances somewhere between fairy tale and coming-of-age story, drawing readers in with a young heroine who’s as endearing as she is ambitious. Grace, our protagonist, is a girl with big dreams and a bigger heart, striving to become a witch and claim a place in a world where she feels she truly belongs. Heather Fawcett weaves the natural world, folklore, and a touch of whimsy together to build a magical setting that feels as alive as the characters themselves.
Grace’s character reminded me so much of Anne Shirley: she’s stubborn, funny, and endlessly creative, with a tendency to leap before she looks. But her journey is unique, set in a world of witchcraft where her determination and love for others bring an authentic warmth and richness to her story. The plot blends adventure and personal growth in a way that’s both enchanting and deeply human, making her journey feel simultaneously magical and entirely relatable.
My only minor wish is that a few of the side characters had been given a bit more depth—they’re charming but sometimes felt a touch more like set pieces than participants. Yet, this hardly detracts from the overall spell Fawcett casts.
This is an ideal book for readers who love imaginative, nature-infused settings and strong, resilient characters. Young and old readers alike who enjoy a story that takes classic themes and refreshes them with charm and a bit of mischief will find something to love here. Fawcett has created a world that will stay with you, and Grace herself is a character you’ll be rooting for long after the last page. Highly recommended!