As someone who loves everything Salem witchcraft trials - I've seen every documentary, movie, mini-series and probably read every book out there on it, I just could NOT get into this one. I tried my hardest, I really did. I think I went back to this maybe 3 or 4 times and I just could not get into it.

The synopsis made it seem like this book was going to be amazing, so kudos to whoever wrote that, but this book did not live up to the hype. The little girl, Abigail I think her name was, was so annoying. Thomas' POV wasn't half bad, but Prudence, it was breathtaking how boring some of her dialogue was.

This is actually the second book I've 'read' by this author. The first one, The Secret of Laurel Oaks was alright. It is another YA book, I basically read it because it is about the Myrtle Plantation and ghosts, both of which I love, and I had difficulties reading that one as well, but not nearly as bad as this one. Maybe the author's writing style and I just don't mix. I read a ton of YA and NA, so I don't think it has anything to do with the genre.

Give me a book about the history of Salem, MA and I'm in! This was an enjoyable fictional take on a historical event which Salem is probably most famous for, the witch trials. I think the author does a great job of retelling the story of the trials in a fictionalized way. There is good character development and I felt that there was good representation of how much suspicion and nervousness there was during this time. Lois Ruby did a good job of conveying just how difficult it was during those times and how hard it was just to stay under the radar so you also were not accused of things that you didn't do. I felt that the ending was a little rushed, but other than that, overall it was an enjoyable book and would recommend it to those that love the history of Salem.

I found this book average in comparison to other books for YA on the same topic.
I listened to part of the book by audiobook. Narration was average.

3.5⭐️
Loved how the characters were written as well as the overall story especially considering it is YA. It didn’t feel like that at all, and I was so invested. The old lady Prudence had so much spunk! And Abigail is beyond frustrating which is the point. I wouldn’t say this is super unique when it comes to the witch trials. It’s overall a pretty standard story, but I still really enjoyed it nonetheless. Like others, I too agree it felt a bit rushed towards the end.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this in exchange for an honest review!

This novel was very interesting and the perfect story to kick off my fall reading. I enjoyed the alternating POVs and even though i did get a tad confused in parts I managed to get my bearings quickly. The writing was lush and dark and I enjoyed this different view into the Salem witch trials.

A glimpse into the events of the Salem Witch Trials. This piece of historical fiction lays out the true events of 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, while also providing several interesting fictional characters to follow. At the start, Thomas and his sister arrive in Salem, newly orphaned and with nowhere to go. Being Quakers, they are already mistrusted. Luckily they find a home with the cantankerous widow Blevins. Patience and her Puritan family have lived in Salem her entire life. Her sister Abigail becomes one of the afflicted and joins in when accusations of witchcraft begin flying around. In this is a time of fear and mistrust, both Thomas and Patience will fight to seek the truth.

I am always intrigued by fiction set during the Salem Witch Trials. Such a horrifying time to imagine, but such an interesting look into the effects of mass hysteria and our fear of women who are different. I love how the author combined the true historical events with young fictional protagonists that you can easily connect with. Both Thomas and Patience have to fight for those they believe in, when it's definitely easier to just go along with the crowd. An enjoyable little read for anyone interested in YA fiction set during this time. Obviously it does discuss the deaths of several of the accused and the disgusting conditions of the jails in which they were held, but nothing is graphic.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fascinating! Witches in Salem. It is a great premise for a book. We get two perspectives of young people who are embroiled in scandal and fear. The author did a great job bringing us into this intriguing time in history. Such fear and misinformation was spread so quickly. Many lives lost and so many lies spread. I loved the mystery and a bit of fantasy mixed in. It was a fun book!

This was a great story, set during the Salem witch trials. I loved Thomas and Patience, and I like the twist of Thomas being a Quaker, as usually you here about the Puritans when reading about the trials. My only real complaint is I’m not crazy about the use of present tense. It didn’t flow very naturally, and I think first person narrating with the use of past tense would’ve worked better. That said, the story is compelling, and Ruby does an excellent job of bringing characters and setting to life. If you have a teen/YA reader who has an interest in the Salem witch trials, this is a great fictional read to gift them!

Gallows Hill is a stunning beautiful piece of historical fiction. It's centered around a time period that I already love to read about, so I was already hooked on this one.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lois Ruby for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC of Gallows Hill coming out September 5, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thomas is deemed an outsider the moment he gets off the ship from England. As a Quaker, he’s outnumbered and Salem’s community of Puritans don’t trust him. And as an orphan without any useful skills, he has nowhere to go and no way to earn money. With some luck, he’s taken in by the aged widow Prudence Blevins, who people say is a witch.

Patience has worked all her life to be a good Puritan―obedient to God and to her community. But she always felt like she was failing. Her way of life is turned upside down when her younger sister, Abigail, comes down with a mysterious affliction. The same sickness has tormented other Salem girls, who claim they’re bewitched by servants of the Devil. Soon the girls, including Abigail, begin accusing their neighbors of witchcraft.

As the community becomes caught up by suspicion and fear, Thomas and Patience search for the truth of what’s really going on. To protect those they care about, they will have to question everything they think they know: their faithfulness, their duties, and their places in Salem.

The topic of Salem and the witch trials has always been fascinating to me. I love to read about them whether it’s fiction or nonfiction. I’ve been to Salem and it’s an amazing place to visit. This book didn’t really offer anything new to the topic, but I enjoyed reading it. The writing felt more like poetry. I liked the two points of view. I did find it interesting that Thomas was a Quaker because the stories are usually focused more on the Puritans.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys learning about the Salem witch trials!

This was a beautiful historical piece of fiction. I also love the air of surprise it had. The characters were well written. Its beautiful all over story

Almost perfect book…..the ending felt rushed and incomplete. This story takes place during the time of the Salem witch trials. The story is told from 2 points of view, a 15 year old Quaker newly orphaned and a teenaged Puritan whose sister is bewitched. I was invested in the characters and was drawn to continue reading from chapter to chapter. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early access to this book

A great book set during the Salem Witch trials. A young brother and sister are thrown right into the drama when they arrive on shore. The story being told from younger voices make for an captivating read. In the mix is everyday life, trials, and religious differences. I read this book in one sitting. I think anyone who likes history and that time period would find this book a good read. Thank you Netgalley.

I've always been fascinated by the Salem Witch trials and this story blends historical and fictional characters to show how the accusations and trials affected the Salem villagers. Ruby has captured the sadness and hopelessness they felt but has also injected young people into the story who would not tolerate injustice.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

This book takes place during the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts. While it is well done and a quick read, I did find it to be a little simple and youthful. It feels like it would be well-suited for younger teens.

I thought this worked well overall as a historical novel on Salem in 1692. Lois Ruby does a great job in creating characters that felt like they belonged in that time and did everything that I was hoping for. I enjoyed how everything worked together and it left me wanting to read more.

If you love anything about the Salem Witch trials then this is the book for you!
Told in diary form it was a little harder to get into than past tense I still enjoyed the book.
I cannot imagine living in those days afraid to make a move or even breathe for someone making an accusation against you and all because of a group of young girls.
I must say I felt sorry for young Dorothy. I feared for her very being!
Those girls were wicked!
I love how the parents were called Mr.Good/Goody for Mrs. My how the words have changed since then!
I finished this book in a couple of hours. I couldn't put it down. A whole evening passed by before I knew it!
5 stars for a job well done!
My thanks to Netgalley and publishers for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I am fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials. This book was good. It was a quick read. It is about a brother and sister, who are Quakers, who come to America and are orphans. It is also about a Puritan girl. This takes place in Salem during the witch trials and their take on them. I enjoyed this book for what it was. I wish there were more about Grace, Thomas’s sister. She was feisty and I liked her. If you are looking for a quick read and enjoy books about the Salem Witch Trials, I would give this book a shot.

I would more accurately give this book a 3.5 out 5 stars. Gallows Hill has an interesting take on the Salem witch trials by combining both fact and fiction into one story. Using factual names and even certain events as key points in this fictional tale in which provides an interactive way of storytelling for the authors original characters.

The many fictional characters are what creates a personalized feel to the story. Including two main characters with supporting siblings to show how each became motivated throughout the story.

I do wish the story was a bit more fleshed out or had more room to develop. The story begins to ramp up in each arc only to be quickly resolved and the overall progression of the story concluded, leaving the reader wanting more.

All in all I do feel like I was with each character on a personal level and truly believe many of the obstacles they each faced are quit true and relevant today!

This books falls right in the middle for me. An interesting tale set during the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Solid characters, a good backdrop for the story and a slightly intriguing but forgettable story.