England is torn apart by civil war.
A healer is accused of witchcraft.
And one forbidden encounter will change her life forever.
England, 1648. The Civil War has shattered the country, and along the isolated Sussex coast, superstition, fear, and violence thrive in the shadow of political chaos.
On Midsummer's Eve, Alinor waits alone in a graveyard, desperate for a sign that she can escape her brutal husband and reclaim her future. Instead, she meets a mysterious young man named James fleeing across the treacherous Tidelands.
Against her better judgment, Alinor helps him navigate the secret waterways of the marsh.
It is a decision that will alter her life forever.
Descended from a line of wise women gifted in healing, Alinor has always been viewed with suspicion. In a world ruled by witch hunts, gossip, and dangerous men, an independent woman is a threat — and whispers of witchcraft soon begin to spread through the village.
As old rivalries deepen and political unrest grows more deadly, Alinor finds herself trapped between passion, survival, and accusations that could destroy everything she loves.
Rich in atmosphere, intrigue, romance, and historical detail, Tidelands is the unforgettable first novel in Philippa Gregory's sweeping Fairmile historical fiction series — a powerful story of resilience, forbidden love, family secrets, and extraordinary women surviving one of England's darkest eras.
Perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Hilary Mantel, and Ken Follett.