"A lovely, immersive, elegiac novel for a lost way of life. I revelled in the author’s gorgeous descriptions of the natural world and her knowledge of the arts of dyeing cloth using native plants, and felt as if I learned a lot from her extensive research" - Jane Johnson, author of The Black Crescent and Court of Lions The Binding meets Weyward in this evocative 17th-century page-turner Joan’s future looks bleak, but her new skill gives it colour… When Joan discovers her father has drunk away the family’s money, she starts to master the beautiful but tough art of cloth-dying, desperate to save her family from poverty. As her success builds, her isolation grows too - her profession stirs whispers of witchcraft, and her rivalry with her sister, Alice, deepens. But she is determined to rebuild her family’s reputation and as the colours soak into her cloth, hope starts to seep into her life too. "S ubtle yet powerful piece of historical fiction ... Turner's meticulous attention to historical detail but also for the clarity and simplicity with which she brings the seventeenth century to life." Goodreads, 5* "Absolutely outstanding ... Exceptional research and great authenticity transports the reader to another era” Goodreads, 5* "Excellent ... The disturbing scenarios so swiftly conjured, each short story an intriguing gem... An excellent read!" Goodreads, 5* "An unexpected treasure trove of writing. Faultless. Gently whispered, human stories with a magical, folkloric edge." Goodreads, 5* "Simply beautiful ... Left me feeling intrigued and mesmerised." Goodreads, 5* Chloe's short stories have been published in many literary magazines and anthologies, shortlisted in the Bridport Prize and included in the SALT Publishing anthology, Best British Stories 2018. Her short story collection - Witches Sail in Eggshells - was published by Reflex Press, and won the 2020 Saboteur Award for Best Short Story Collection.Chloe lives with her family near Stroud, where she works as a local Green district and county councillor, keeps bees and plays the trombone in a radical brass band.You can find Chloe on X (@turnerpen2paper)