On my blog today, I am welcoming author JANE LOFTUS, to learn more about her debut novel, The Herb Knot, set in the fourteenth century during the turbulent times of The Hundred Years’ War.
As well as finding out more about the book and where to buy it, you can also read an article from Jane in which she outlines a few of the historical themes linked to the story of The Herb Knot.
What is the book about?
The Hundred Years’ War comes to life in this spellbinding tale of love, betrayal and conspiracy …
A quest born on the battlefield will change a young boy’s destiny…
Rafi Dubois is five years old when his mother is murdered after the Battle of Crecy in 1346. Alone and lost, Rafi is given a token by the dying Englishman who tried to save his mother’s life: a half-broken family seal which he urges Rafi to return one day to Winchester.
Years later, when Rafi saves a wealthy merchant’s wife from a brutal robbery, he is rewarded with the chance to travel to England, taking the seal with him.
But when he reaches Winchester, Rafi finds himself in a turbulent world full of long-held allegiances, secrets and treachery. His path is fraught with danger and with powerful enemies working against him, Rafi falls in love with Edith, a market apothecary. But in doing so, Rafi unleashes a deadly chain of events which threatens to overwhelm them both…
The Herb Knot is a sweeping and passionate novel set in one of the most tumultuous times in English history, from a powerful new voice.
Some of the historical themes behind The Herb Knot
Jane Loftus
There are a few underlying historical themes linked to The Herb Knot – religious superstition, the aftermath of the plague which isn’t touched upon too much but does indirectly have an impact on Adam’s state of mind as the story progresses. The theme which, obviously, has the most impact is the 100 years war and, specifically, Crécy.
It is the trigger for everything which happens to Rafi, even when he doesn’t appear to be doing anything at all. The aftermath has been in his thoughts for the fifteen years he spent as a novice and a cloth merchant’s apprentice. When he finally gets on that boat and heads for England, it is to find out, once and for all, what happened that night in the forest. Fifteen years have passed, but the shadow of Crécy still hangs over him. He lost everything, and whilst his life is now bearable, he is not complete.
Crécy casts ripples which go beyond just Rafi. His mother, of course, seemingly killed after the battle, now living in an abbey in relative peace. But even if she has been able to reconcile herself to the loss of her son, her daughter, Agnes, is a constant reminder of that night. A child conceived in terrible circumstances, yet loved and cherished. Her murder of Thom in the final chapters owes a lot to her experiences after she was abducted on the night of the battle. She does not think twice about ridding the world of another violent man.
Her silent protector, Roger, is one of the least complicated characters in the book, yet the impact Crécy has on his life has many layers. First, he has lost his master Richard in the battle, a man he respected deeply. He still carries that grief. Secondly, he feels obliged to make amends to the woman who has suffered the most, ensuring Marianne’s safety even at material cost to himself. The personal cost is that he loves her but can never be with her. Finally there is his single minded loyalty to Marianne, Agnes and Hugh. Anything from the past which threatens them, he will destroy if he has to. He has carried more secrets than anyone, but at the end of the book he has gained little. His beloved Agnes is now “public property”, he can still never have Marianne, and Hugh, whilst forgiving him, is disappointed by his actions. Yet Roger being Roger, he will carry on being the top bloke he always has been (yes, yes, he’s my favourite character).
Hugh was nowhere near Crécy that night, but he lost his brother. At that point, all the responsibilities of the family business fell on his shoulders whilst he was still very young. His father grieved himself to an early grave, his remaining brother William disgraced the family name. Hugh, himself grief stricken, had to pull everything together and was never given enough time to get over his own loss. He remains emotionally restrained, distant and intimidating. Prior to 1346, he was close to Richard, who protected him from William, played with him, doted on him. In an instant, all of that was taken from him. It made him the man he is at the start of the book, and he has only thawed a little by the end.
It will take time with Hugh, but he will get there. Agnes is bound to have a positive effect on him.
Book details
The Herb Knot was published on in May 2025 by HQ Digital, and is available from various sources as an eBook and in paperback.
It is also available in Audible, narrated by Matt Addis.
Buy links
About the author
Jane Loftus
Jane Loftus gained a degree in 16th Century European and British history from Surrey before taking a postgraduate degree in modern political history. As a lone parent, she worked in Winchester Waterstones before returning to IT once her son was older.
Hugely passionate about the Middle Ages, she drew inspiration for this novel from the medieval layout of Winchester which has been painstakingly documented.
Jane is originally from London but has lived in Winchester for over twenty years. When not writing, she is usually out walking or watching costume dramas on Netflix – the more medieval the better. She also plays far too many rpgs.
You can connect with Jane on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky
Amazon Author Page | Goodreads
See who else is sharing Jane’s book tour!
Follow the Coffee Pot Book Club and find out about other great historical reads on Twitter/X and Instagram.
Thank you so much for hosting Jane Loftus today, with such an interesting post linked to her novel, The Herb Knot.
Take care,
Cathie xx
The Coffee Pot Book Club
Hi, thanks so much for hosting my book. I’ve read a couple of yours as well – how could I not since the Meon Valley is so close!