Eva Pasco

Goodreads: 5-Stars

March 31, 2025

Portal to a Magical Story

Author Mary R. Woldering’s ‘The Secret Grove’ is illustrative of her storytelling prowess to interweave magic, myth, and reality. Like the protagonist, Maureen Winters, the reader wonders if her interaction with Asteri, the fae prince she met at camp during her adolescence, is real or imagined.

Psychologically wounded from bullying for her artistic temperament, Maureen reluctantly accepts an invitation for an adult reunion with her tormentors at their old haunt, Camp Evergreen Trails. She also hopes to conduct a reality check on Asteri’s existence.

Like magic, the author’s words bring godlike Asteri to life in all of his shape-shifting, polyamorous manifestations. The true colors of Maureen’s frenemies come out during a night of pub crawling. What ensues is spellbinding, transporting Maureen, as well as the reader, to another portal where anyone can be anything they want if they believe it.

Highly recommended!