I, CORIANDER BY SALLY GARDNER

I've had this book on my shelf for several years and finally gave it a whirl. It's an engrossing children's story where the magical world of fairytales meets history.

London 1649: King Charles has been beheaded and Oliver Cromwell and his Roundheads are in charge. Puritanism is the national religion and life is a sombre affair with no celebrations or frivolity. But then Coriander discovers a world of fairies and magic with a special pair of silver shoes.

Amid mysterious disappearances, evil ravens, a handsome prince and wicked step-mothers, Coriander must find her mother's shadow and defeat the wicked Queen. Finally, as England embraces a new King, Coriander's journey comes to a spell binding conclusion.

With its lyrical prose and cleverly executed suspense, this story had me entranced from the first page to the last word.