Butterfly magic and family secrets take centre stage in new Derbyshire fantasy
Two years after her sister’s death, Amethyst is moving on, and Meadow Hill Manor is the place she now calls home.
With its stone floors, dusty tapestries and crackling fires, the manor has become a sanctuary. She has her Aunt Mina, her best friend Gillian, and a flutter of magical butterflies for company.
Amethyst’s world is turned upside down when her mother insists she must leave Meadow Hill and return to London. London, that contains only memories and the empty spaces her sister used to fill.
Determined to find a way to stay, Amethyst turns to the butterflies, but butterfly magic can only be used to help others. Perhaps if she can find the missing butterflies…
Delving deeper into the magic, Amethyst fights to stay at Meadow Hill but her journey leads to secrets and, as with magic, secrets cannot be silenced forever…
Stefanie Parks was born and raised in the beautiful county of Derbyshire, which is the inspiration and setting for her books. Stefanie writes contemporary fantasy books for middle grade and young adult readers. Her first book, The Butterflies of Meadow Hill Manor, was a finalist for the 2024 Sir Julius Vogel Awards. When she’s not writing, Stefanie enjoys wild swimming, growing her house plant collection, and of course, reading.
Stefanie explains: “I’ve always been fascinated by butterflies. A universal symbol of transformation, butterflies carry many different meanings: the visitation of a loved one passed, a sign of good luck, of hope or new beginnings. To me they’re creatures of the fae world - everything about them seems magical. From their incredible transformation process to their beautiful markings and flight patterns. Butterflies add colour to our lives and are an important part of our eco system. If you’ve ever felt something magical in their presence then this story is for you.
In this second book I wanted to delve deeper into butterfly magic whilst exploring the impact of family secrets. The result is a whimsical, uplifting fantasy story which hopefully brings a little joy.
Set in Derbyshire and inspired by my time living in the beautiful market town of Belper, it felt appropriate to release this book during Belper 250, a year-long festival celebrating the town’s role in the industrial revolution. This book features more of Belper’s iconic surroundings including The Chevin, the mill and the oldest building in town - St John’s Chapel.”
RELEASE DATE: 28/10/2026
ISBN: 9781835745229
Price: £8.99