By Natasha Hastings (author) , Alex T. Smith (illustrator) Part of the The Miraculous Sweetmakers series
"History and fantasy combine in this exciting debut novel"
Paperback In Stock £7.99 £7.19
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November 2022 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.
A spellbinding and unforgettable tale of deep friendship, glittering magic and enchanting mystery, perfect for fans of Tamzin Merchant, Abi Elphinstone and Anna James.
Read the full description
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.
'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
'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
'A lovely, frosty debut that combines cosy details and a pacy adventure with thoughtful explorations of grief and responsibility' Anna James, author of the Pages & Co. series
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 .
Photo credit Claire Connold
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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.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Fantasy / Magical, Historical Fiction, Festive Fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback, Hardback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair was written by Natasha Hastings and published by HarperCollins an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair has 415 pages
Yes it is part of The Miraculous Sweetmakers series
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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