Hoaby replied, "Maybe you weren't looking. You will never find what you are not looking for you know".

Love is the Magic in True Friendships.

Read our recent High Recommended 5 *****  Review that sums up the book very well:

A Magical Tale of Family, Belonging, and the Wonders of the Natural World

A Time for Lepralites by AngJon Hornibrook and Deirdre Tobin is a captivating novel that blends Irish folklore, family relationships, and the delicate balance between humanity and nature. Set in the picturesque Irish countryside, the story follows Adam McCarthy and his children, Katie and Clive, who rescue two peculiar little beings—Titch-Ella and Hoaby—after finding them trapped in the snow. What starts as an ordinary morning walk soon becomes a life-changing discovery, as the McCarthy family welcomes the Lepralites into their home, unlocking secrets about a hidden world that exists alongside their own.

A World Hidden in Plain Sight

The Lepralites are small, winged creatures with a rich and mysterious culture. Unlike fairies—whom Hoaby insists they are not—they have strong ties to nature, living in harmony with the land. They are watched over by crows, who act as their silent guardians, ensuring their safety from predators and other unseen threats. However, despite their ability to blend into the environment, Titch-Ella and Hoaby’s misadventure in the storm exposes them to humans, leading to an unusual friendship that challenges both worlds’ understanding of one another.

The Lepralites’ world is filled with intriguing characters and customs. There are tales of a Lepralite suffering from hay fever, an affliction that forces him to leave his community and this mirrors real-world issues of displacement and adaptation and the need for change, resilience and sacrifices. 

Beyond the central story of Titch-Ella and Hoaby integrating into the McCarthy household, the novel is filled with rich side adventures that enhance its magical charm.  These encounters serve as moments of both danger and revelation, reminding readers that the natural world is as unpredictable as it is beautiful.

A Tale of Family and Belonging

At its core, A Time for Lepralites is a story about family—not just in the traditional sense, but in the way we find connection, even in unexpected places. Katie quickly bonds with the Lepralites, fascinated by their culture and eager to help them. Clive, in his innocent enthusiasm, calls them “fairies” despite Hoaby’s objections, creating light-hearted moments that make their interactions feel organic and heart-warming. Adam, the ever-reliable father, ensures their safety while grappling with the larger implications of their existence.

The novel also explores what it means to belong. For the Lepralites, who are deeply tied to their traditions, the idea of coexisting with humans is both thrilling and unsettling. Through their journey, the book raises thoughtful questions: How much of our identity is shaped by where we come from? Can we truly find home in a new place, even if it means leaving behind what we’ve always known?

Final Thoughts

A Time for Lepralites is a beautifully written tale that balances humour, adventure, and heartfelt emotion. Hornibrook and Tobin have created a world that feels both fantastical and deeply rooted in reality, with characters who are as endearing as they are thought-provoking. The novel’s message about kindness, the importance of preserving nature, and the connections between all living things make it a must-read for fantasy lovers of all ages.

With its rich storytelling, engaging characters, and moments of pure magic, this book is a delightful journey into a world that feels as real as the one outside our windows. Perfect for fans of The Borrowers, The Spiderwick Chronicles, and classic Irish folklore, A Time for Lepralites is a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary discoveries happen when we least expect them.

Whether you're a teenager seeking excitement, a young adult craving adventure, or simply a lover of enchanting tales of any age, 'A Time for Lepralites' promises an unforgettable journey for everyone.

Current Locations to purchase in Ireland #shoplocal

1. Tallow Post Office, Barrack Street, Tallow, Co. Waterford. Facebook

2. Lisa In Broadways Hair Salon, Church Street, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork Facebook

3. Skibbereen Bookshop, Main Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork Facebook

4. Bandon Books Plus, Riverview Shopping Centre, Bandon, Co. Cork Facebook

5. Carrigaline Bookshop, Main Street, Carrigaline, Co. Cork Facebook

6. Kanturk Bookshop, Strand Street, Kanturk, Co. Cork Facebook

7. Hickeys Bookshop, South Main Street Bandon, Co. Cork Facebook