This is a captivating read that kept me turning the pages. Weyward is a story about three different women (Altha from 1619, Violet from 1942, and Kate from 2019) facing oppression and ill treatment from men in their lives. It alternates between the POVs of the three women, building suspense with each chapter.

More specifically, it’s a good “witch” novel–in the tradition of novels about women with healing/psychic/midwifery skills who are demonized and persecuted, but who draw on their skills and connections to other women to overcome. It had an interesting take on how these women’s specific “witchy” powers manifest, and there were good descriptions that brought alive the Weyward cottage and the women’s connection with nature. Altha, Violet, and Kate are all strong in distinctive ways; they feel unique and different–and also specific to their time periods.

I cared about the three women and what was happening to them. With novels told through braided narratives, I’m often tempted to skip past sections because one storyline is much more interesting than the others, but with Weyward all three storylines kept me fully engaged, and I was never tempted to skip. Each storyline built upon the previous one and added to my curiosity, so I was always pulled forward. The three storylines come together in a satisfying and revealing way at the end.

The only negative is that the oppressive men in the women’s lives are flat, stereotyped characters–they don’t feel like living, breathing, complex people. However, there are male supporting characters who show more depth and complexity. The stereotyped oppressors detracted from the story somewhat, but overall Weyward was a good read, and I recommend it!!

What first drew my attention to this book was the title and cover artwork. Separately, they are both capable of catching someone’s eye. Although, when they are put together, they resolutely demand attention.

From the start of Weyward, the pace of the book is incredibly fast. This is actually beneficial since the story is split between three different women. With the quick pace set by the author, the reader does not become overwhelmed by the information that would be included if the book only followed one of the storylines. There are just enough details included that the story flows without impediment and draws the reader deeper into the narrative being spun. Each character is absolutely fascinating, and it is fun for the reader to search out how these women possibly intersect.

This book was absolutely entrancing. It was impossible for me to set it down until I had finished it to the very last page. The author did an amazing job at balancing the three characters within the story and slowly building to each climax of their stories. It became apparent that each woman was different and yet, the same. The growth sprinkled throughout this book was instrumental to each character’s progression in their lives.

This was a breathtaking piece from Emilia Hart. I am incredibly excited to experience what else she has to offer to the literary world.

Men are always trying to dominate the Weyward women, who have an intense affinity with nature: trying to crush their spirits and control their lives. Men always fail, because the Weyward women can call birds and even insects to their aid. This indomitable matriarchal clan of witches is almost broken until Kate, the niece, who stars in the modern of the three timelines. Practical Magic meets Margaret Atwood in an unflinching feminist fantasy that is boiling over with rage and loaded with empowerment.

First off, this cover is astounding. Seriously, I love it. And it does the story justice. I loved the gothic premise, and it gave me spooky classic gothic stories like Jane Eyre. Totally worth the hype.

For fans of Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic series, Weyward is a feminist, witchy novel that is sure to bring tears to your eyes and leave you feeling warm and whole.

Weyward follows the stories of 3 women from one family across different periods of time: Altha (1619), Violet (1942), and Kate (2019). The Weyward women have always been special and can connect with nature in impossible ways. Unfortunately, their talents make them outcasts in the eyes of society, which often leads to tragedy and pain.

Although this book does have a happy ending, the path to get there is a very dark and difficult one. The women experience many challenges (i.e., men try to take away their autonomy) before understanding how to use their powers and choose freedom. Along the way, they also learn the power women can have when they work together, even if it’s across time.

Whether or not you’re a fantasy reader, this is a book ALL women (and everyone else) should read. This author is already on my auto-read list after just one book - I’m so excited for what’s next, this was just amazing!!

I loved this book! The three timelines were great and I loved the characters. Will definitely read more from this author.

This was a great read. I loved the multiple timelines and how all three women had surprisingly similar (and yet still believable) experiences. Also, I love crows so I’m glad they were included in the story. I’d love to walk around with Morg on my shoulder!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
What a wonderful book, I absolutely loved it!
My heart felt for all three women and their struggles to stay true to themselves while considered odd by outsiders who view them with suspicion. Their relationship with nature is something I totally understood and empathized with. And I loved the crows, birds I've always admired for their smarts.
Great read I highly recommend!

Spellbinding indeed. Loved all the characters and the stories they shared. Was hoping for some magical realism aspects, but still a solid read.

I love this story! Gobbled it up so fast. Love all the time frames and how they all connect. This is the kind of writing and story line that makes me a very happy reader much to the disappointment of those around me who want to actually talk to me when I’m engrossed in something I can’t be bothered from.

Three different timelines. Three different woman all connected by a magical gift. I truly enjoyed this book, but will admit that the history nerd in me was most attracted to the storylines from the past. The book speaks to the inherent power of women and the battle we continue to fight against ignorance and the patriarchy. "Witch" has always been a term applied to women who didn't fit within societal norms, who were outsiders or wielded power of any kind. The author does a great job of making you feel for each woman and cheer for her as she journeys along her path. And each woman felt distinct and well drawn. A really enjoyable read. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

What a wonderful title! It was hard to put down. I have several patrons who read similar titles and I cannot wait to recommend this title to them. The history, the science, and the fullness of the story was beautiful.

What a fast moving and fascinating novel! In Weyward we meet 3 unforgettable women, Kate in 2019 fleeing London, Violet in 1942 during WW2 and Altha in the early 1600;s when witches are punished by death. Throughout the book we learn the very compelling stories of all 3 via letters and. POV and the connection they all have. These strong women are born with a magical gift that they are surely need to deal with dangerous and violent men in their lives.'

The story is driven primarily by Kate, who has fled London for a home left to her by her Aunt. As she hides in the old mansion she finds the letter and other artifacts that she light on her ancestors lives. I loved the pacing and all of the characters. I can;'t say I have a favorite part of a favorite person - I loved it all! If you like stories with multiple timelines and characters, rooting for the underdog or just want a magical story to lose yourself in, Weyward is for you!
#STMartins

I really liked the three different voices who told this story and how they wove around each other to create this family connection. At parts this book was maddening because of the reality that women have had to (and continue to) deal with. Great ending.

First of all, let's start by explaining that this book is NOT a thriller, it’s more women’s fiction.

A beautiful tale of three women, and the actions taken (by men) that change them.
I enjoyed the different timelines, a glimpse into 3 women's lives and the sprinkling of witchcraft. They are broken up with chapters with names so it's easy to keep the timelines straight. I was rooting for every one of them as they made their way through difficult lives. I felt just the right amount of time was spent with each character, so you got a proper feel for them, and how strong they actually were.

I love this cover and it does such a good job of going with the story. I did warn one of my friends about the bug aspect. If you are afraid of bugs, do not read this book. She gets pretty graphic at times.

Big trigger warning, there is definitely violence in this book. There's rape, physical domestic abuse and a lot of discussion around child birth and loss. It's a lot to take in and at times.

I loved the earthy and nature feel spread though out this whole book, I enjoyed the aspect of the badass crows and how they are the women's protectors.

This is a wonderful historical fiction read weaving in the stories of three women through the ages. The Weyward women are strong, and each seen as a threat by the men who try to control them. Emilia Hart did a great job telling their stories, and spinning a tale that kept me picking up the book any free moment I had. It is a perfect beach read, or a cozy weekend on the couch.

3.5 I'm round up. I love this cover and it does such a good job of going with the story.

There are three main women in this story, 3 timelines. They are broken up with chapters so it's easy to keep the timelines straight. It isn't clear, at first, how they all mingle and you just have to roll with the story to find where they all come together.

But be aware, there is definitely violence in here. There's rape, physical domestic abuse and a lot of discussion around child birth and loss. It's a lot to take in and at times, it's very tough to read, but the story was so good I loved it more for it not shying from the ugly stuff.

All in all, it's about the power of women and how we are so much more happy and peaceful when we are in harmony with other women around us, when we are allowed to be free and who we are. So for all the tough stuff, it was such a great story filled with rage and vengeance. I loved it!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Gutwrenching. It's like a literary version of Pandora's box - a bunch of evils followed by Hope at the end. Well written, well paced with likeable characters in credible situations. I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. These thoughts are my own!

I’m not big on having multiple point of views. Usually if there are more than two; I just lose interest. This book switches POVs between Altha, Violet, and Kate. Altha is Kate’s great great great aunt I believe and then Violet is Kate’s great aunt.

They are a part of the Weyward family, which is a family who possesses magic in a sense, “witchcraft”. They have the ability to communicate with animals and insects.

The story is basically Kate trying to find a better life for herself after leaving her abusive partner, Simon. Violet had left her estate to Kate, so when Kate left Simon, she moved to Weyward because Simon didn’t know it even existed because Kate hid it from him.

Anyways while there Kate discovers her family’s heritage. Through out the story it swaps between all three explaining everything that’s happened and why it’s happened. At the end, we figure out why Violet left everything to Kate and we get to see Kate use her “magic” to save herself. But the great thing about her magic is that her family, all the Weyward women” where there too, in spirit of the bugs and animals.

I feel like this story is great on the “girl power”. It shows that women can be strong and they don’t always have to rely on a man.

I do want to put trigger warnings for rape, assault, and abortion. If you are sensitive to these subjects; I wouldn’t recommend this book to you. All in all, I did enjoy this story. It wasn’t face pace for me and it did get a tad boring in some places but my the end when everything was tied together; I really liked it.

4 stars!

It's fall time folks and Weyward is just what you need to get you in the spooky season mood.

Pour yourself a pumpkin spiced latte, wrap yourself in a blanket and get ready to meet the Weyward women. Hart weaves a tale that spans several generations of women gifted with supernatural powers. The novel bounces between timelines (1619, 1942, and 2019) and slowly reveals how each woman is connected. The main storyline takes place in the present and follows the story of Kate as she flees an abusive relationship.

With strong themes of female strength, fighting the patriarchy, and of course an appreciation for nature and all things supernatural, this is the perfect read for fall. I actually enjoyed the storylines from the past more than the present, but all weaves together nicely in the end.

Looking forward to reading more work by Hart. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for a free digital copy in exchange for a fair review.