I found The Witch of Willow Hall to be a wonderfully cozy and spooky read. Absolutely perfect for this time of year! I found myself really enjoying reading it during the evenings after work.

Admittedly, I believe this time period is one of my favorites. Not to mention, I loved the setting! Being a fan of books centered around witchcraft, I thought the subtlety was so well done. There wasn’t so much that it was your main focus, but it still played a large role. Also, I found myself really loving the main character. While she may have seemed very timid at times, she was a rather strong female lead who stood her ground even when it would have been frowned upon. Lydia’s love for her family ran very deep even when she did not much care for certain family members. The supporting characters did a wonderful job encouraging the plot and storyline. There were characters that you loved to hate too. Plus, some unsavory topics that I felt were handled very well.

Overall, I would read this book again. I would also love to read another book by this author!

3.5 stars.

Gothic. Mysterious. Haunting. Secretive.

This was a spine-tingling, highly atmospheric story. Willow Hall, the countryside mansion that this novel revolves around, has such an alluring and dominating presence. The house itself, the grounds the house lays on, the woods and the hidden pond. They all held a vital piece of this story and added an extra layer of suspense and intrigue. I loved that!

The characters were so very well done! The author, Hester Fox, does an outstanding job developing each and every character whether they were central to the story or held background roles. There is a supernatural element to this novel which is handled very gently and subtly. I tend to shy away from novels involving strong supernatural aspects. My hesitation is always that the story will feel unrealistic, however, that definitely wasn’t the case with this novel. I truly felt interested and invested in this story throughout.

For me, the intrigue and suspense in the first half of this novel outweighed the second half. While I was still interested and engrossed in the main storyline, I felt that some parts of the second half dragged.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read that was perfect for the month of October!

This was a Traveling Sister read that we all enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley, HARLEQUIN – Graydon House Books and Hester Fox for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

Historic fiction fans, rejoice! Hester Fox has added to your library with "The Witch of Willow Hall," a novel about three sisters with a witch-laden legacy. When the Montrose family is forced to flee a scandal-laced Boston in the 1820s, they find themselves in a rural country home with little to do. The three Montrose girls are as different as can be - Catherine wants to marry, little Emeline wants to explore the woods and nearby pone, and Lydia, well, she just wants to read, dream and live a simple life. Emeline's mysterious death puts everything they've know and dream into a tailspin, forcing them to yield to long-held secrets. Who holds the power in the family? Is it the women's past, or is the spirits of Willow Hall? Fox artfully crafts a tale of history, romance, mystery and devotion in this entertaining novel, a perfect read for Halloween and a chilly night.

3 stars!

The Witch of Willow Hall was a really well-written historical romance debut full of scandal, secrets and drama. While I really liked and enjoyed reading the book, I did not love it. I expected a bit more “witchiness” and a little less romance. I felt it to be a bit to YA for me as well, which is not a preferred genre of mine. I know it’s categorized as a YA novel, but I wanted to give it a shot because I thought it would be a little creepier with some witchcraft tossed in.

I did enjoy the historical aspect a lot and it was a super quick, easy read. I would recommend for anyone who enjoys historical romance with a gothic feel. I look forward to seeing what’s next in store from Ms. Fox!

Traveling Sisters Read 🧡

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin - Graydon House Books and Hester Fox for an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox is an exciting New Adult, Historical Fiction debut by a talented storyteller. It’s haunting, has family secrets, strange powers, witchcraft, tragedy, and love, against the backdrop of the 1821 New England witch hunts. An hauntingly addictive tale, with gothic elements and a dash of the supernatural, that will keep readers entranced and turning pages. Very satisfying and enjoyable read. The characters are superb and charming. The plot, mesmerizing and intriguing. Well done, Hester Fox!

“I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”



Rating: 4. 5

Reviewer: AprilR

My Rating:

3.5

Favorite Quote:

Mother has thrown herself into the occupation of invalid with her characteristic vigor and dedication. She has the whole household on pins and needles.

My Review:

I struggled valiantly with this one to the very end; it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t a bad book just, unfortunately, an avalanche of my pet peeves. While the premise was interesting and the storylines were imaginative and well written, the plot unfolded at an extremely slow pace and was cast with largely unlikable and disagreeable characters. This book felt more historical YA than anything else, and there is a reason I don’t often read YA; I tend to become exasperated with the characters, which unfortunately happened here. The parents were indifferent and disinterested in parenting, the older sister was vile, and the main character was naïve and spineless.

The author performed an excellent job of maintaining tension, as most of the characters were uptight, fractious, deceitful, and largely uncommunicative while the storylines were taut with family drama, angst, and conflict. The sense of impending doom was well executed from beginning to end. This wealthy family had fled Boston on the edge of ruin to avoid scandal, although it is well into the book before the actual cause of the scandal was exposed and wow – it was not the usual twist. I was intrigued and curious about the otherworldly issues which were the most creative and entertaining aspects to the tale, but sadly, those story threads occupied but a small portion of the narrative. I was considerably frustrated and circling despair when the last few pages finally allowed me to unclench my jaw with a satisfactory HEA although I still despised most of them… but I tend to hold a grudge.

This was another perfect read for the season. If I’m being completely honest, I ended up enjoying this tremendously more than I had anticipated I would. The Witch of Willow Hall is a gothic, historical novel that enchanted me from the beginning.

There was a lot to enjoy about this book, but my favorite thing was its atmospheric setting. The Witch of Willow Hall reads like a Jane Austen book with some witchcraft and eerie paranormal activity mixed in. The period drama aspects were so charming! The romance that develops between two characters was really cute and I couldn’t get enough of it. The scandal that haunts the Montrose family is juicy enough to belong in a Game of Thrones book. Along with some endearing characters, such as Lydia and Mr. Barrett, we also have some very unlikeable characters, like Catherine and Cyrus. All the characters are well-written and form interesting dynamics important to the story.

Hester Fox does a fantastic job of blending the drama with suspense. Although the story is more of a gothic romance, there are still some spooky encounters and mysterious elements that make this a wonderful read for October. The Witch of Willow Hall is a suspenseful historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I stayed up later than I expected to finish this because I couldn’t put it down!

This is a great book to get you in the mood for Halloween.

Because of a scandal, Lydia, her two sisters, and her parents have to leave their city lives behind and move to the country.

The house is nice, the area is beautiful, but something just isn't right. Lydia starts hearing voices, seeing people that aren't there, and has a feeling of unease.

Maybe there's a reason it was empty for so long before they moved here.

I enjoyed this book. It had the creepy vibe that I look for this time of year.

This is a delicious new novel that combines so many of my favorite gothic plots: a scandalous past, a mysterious house, an emotionally damaged man and a legacy of witchcraft. I enjoyed how it starts out slow and methodical building the suspense of the family dynamic and situation and then it just hits you in the groin with death and a terrible family secret that really packs a punch. The appearance of the ghosts and why they're there kept me up at night. That scene with Emmeline truly creeped me out. The romance worked for me - Mr. Barrett clearly likes her from the time the two characters meet but she can't see it because of her obsession with her sister and comparing herself to her older sister. I like how the big scene is basically "I like you you dummy! Now kiss me!" - the dread at the idea that she might actually marry Cyrus kept me turning pages screaming in my head "No!" My only criticism is that I wanted more about her witchcraft legacy and how she can control it. It seems she finally accepts her legacy and boom the book is done. So I need a sequel please!

The Witch of Willow Hall is a perfectly written gothic tale of witches, dark secrets and history. 
This is the debut novel written by Hester Fox and all I can is, "Wow!" Every first book should be this amazing! I was completely blown away by the history, the suspense and the storyline itself. It was, without a doubt, a great book! 

Lydia Montrose is the middle child and a loving sister. Her family was run out of town after horrible rumors began to swirl around the family. It's 1821, and these types of "rumors" can be a death warrant even 200 years after the Salem Witch Trials. Her family moves to Old Newbury where her father sets up a mill. But things at the house itself are more than a strange. Lydia hears noises and sees ghostly type apparitions. What exactly is going on in their house and with Lydia's family? This slow simmering tale will answer those questions - and more.

One of the first "big girl" books I ever read was "The Witch of Blackbird Pond." It set the stage for my intense love affair with gothic tales, horror and spooky reads. Although, when I re-read Blackbird Pond I chuckle at how tame it is in comparison. The Witch of Willow Hall is not so tame - it has everything a reader could ask for in a great witch story. The characters are very well drawn; the love that Lydia and her sisters have for one another shines throughout the book. There is a touch of romance and a plot full of  well placed twists to keep you on your proverbial toes. The Witch of Willow Hall is the perfect Halloween read - but be sure to leave your light on when you do! 

Thank you #Netgalley, @HesterBFox, and #Harlequin-GraydonHouse for my copy of this perfect gothic tale!

In 1821, the Montrose family flees Boston in the wake of a scandal. They settle in New Oldbury, MA with their three daughters. Their new country home, Willow Hall, seems perfect, but the longer they live there the more dark history seems to seep out of the very walls. Secrets never stay in the shadows indefinitely. One of the Montrose daughters is a witch and doesn't know it yet...but she will have to call on her powers to protect those she loves from the secrets and evil lurking at Willow Hall. The Montrose family will never be the same.

I loved this story! It has touches of creepy gothic darkness, social commentary, a bit of scandal, and even a splash of romance. Definitely a lot of dark, gothic fun in this book! The suspense developed slowly, building as the darkness of the story was revealed. I liked how the truth being revealed was not only about the history of Willow Hall and events there, but also the secrets and scandal that caused the Montrose family to leave Boston.

This book is definitely written for the YA audience, but will be enjoyable for adult readers as well. It's age appropriate for teenage readers.

The Witch of Willow Hall is Hester Fox's debut novel. I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for more by this new author! This story had just the right amount of creepy...not too much, not too little. It kept my attention from beginning to end!

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Harlequin/Graydon House Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

One of the more misleading publishers' summaries I've encountered. This was billed as gothic, or at least gothic-adjacent (Witches! Creepy old house! Malevolent spirits!). In actuality it's mostly a schlocky, soapy romance about a nice girl with a really nasty sister and a really nasty ex-fiancé.

The sense of atmosphere we expect in gothic novels is completely absent, the spirits barely matter to the story, and even the witchcraft alluded to in the title is mostly secondary and underused.

The writing is fine (which is the only reason this book merited two stars, rather than one), but the book simply doesn't deliver anything close to what it claims to. This may be more the fault of the publisher than the author, but either way, this reader felt duped into reading something she would never have picked up had it been presented honestly.

If you're a fan of romance with a dash of supernatural, you'll probably like this just fine. But if you're looking for what the title and summary suggest the book will be, you'll be highly disappointed.

Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. I was able to make it through about 40% of the book before I had to quit. I did not enjoy Fox's writing style; it felt generic and unfocused. I'm not sure I could tell you what the main plot line was because it seemed like a number of subplots. It may have been more clear had I finished the novel and I understand the purpose of being intentionally vague, but by the time one of the big clues was given (what these "rumors" were that drove the family out of Boston), I was no longer interested in the story. The writing doesn't transport me to the year this novel is set in nor did it engage me and keep me interested.
Besides the writing and the lack of plot, I also had a lot of trouble connecting with and understanding these characters. No one is particularly likable (and I want likable characters in my books!) and though I didn't stick around for any character arcs or growth, I found that when I put the book down, I was not interested in these characters and their lives. Sadly, not finishing was not a big loss for me. Thank you NetGalley and Graydon House Books for the free copy and opportunity to review the novel!

This was the perfect book to get me into the Halloween spirit!

Lydia Montrose and her family are moving from Boston to New Oldbury. They have been pretty much run out of the city after certain rumors spread surrounding the oldest sister, Catherine.

Lydia is the middle sister. She loves to read, likes to garden and loves her little sister, Emeline. Lydia has taken over Emeline's schooling and also her discipline. Lydia's mother is not the same since they left Boston and Lydia likes to help where she can. Their brother Charles is not with them. He's in London. There's a mystery surrounding his absence.

“Charlie did a bad thing”


Lydia's father, Samuel Montrose has started a new mill's business. The business is thriving but life at Willow Hall is strange. From the noises Lydia hears at night to the ghost-like forms she observes.

"There are stories around here that the place is haunted. All manners of ghosties and goblins."


Samuel's partner, John Barrett is a young man who used to own Willow Hall. Lydia fancies him but she has to compete for his affections with Catherine, who everyone believes to be prettier than Lydia. Lydia doesn't think she can win his affections but when he gives her his attention, she is full of hope.

Then tragedy strikes the family.

***

The Witch of Willow Hall had a good story filled with gothic components, interesting characters, enough mystery and, a good romance to make it a winner.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about The Witch of Willow Hall was the way the author gave us small tidbits of what had happened back in Boston. It kept my interest piqued. It was a slow burn but with a purpose.

Lydia was a unique character. She was dealing with learning something about herself that was changing her life. The best part about Lydia was that she was a bookie!

Catherine was a great villain. She was a character you love to hate. She enjoyed belittling Lydia. Cyrus and August Pierce were also unlikable characters but I still think Catherine is the worst.

Emeline was a sweet girl. I love how Snip, her dog was always with her.

John Barrett had an air of mystery that enticed me to learn more about him. He could also be quite swoony.

“I expect that the next time I see you it will be in the library, or the parlor, or the garden—anywhere else but your room—and that you will have a new book recommendation for me. Hopefully something with a happy ending this time.”


Thank you, Harlequin and Graydon House for my complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

Lydia Montrose and her family have been forced to flee Boston due to unsavory rumors about their family and have settled in their newly built summer home, Willow Hall, in New Oldbury. Sisters Catherine, Lydia, and Emeline couldn’t be more different. Catherine is noted for her beauty, but what is the scandal that drove the family out of Boston? Lydia is the plain sensible sister. She should be heartbroken at the breaking of her engagement due to the rumors, but she finds herself enflamed by her new neighbor and her father’s new business partner, Mr. Barrett, who holds secrets of his own past. Emeline is still a child entranced by their new home, but what secrets can a small child hold?

The Witch of Willow Hall is a Victorian story, but it has roots in the Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century. Montrose family lore is that a distant ancestress was killed as a witch. Lydia has always thought of this just as a story, but she did have a jarring experience when she was a child. As an adult, she now has ever more strange things happening to her and she starts to wonder if there is more to the story of her ancestors than what she had previously believed.

I really liked that this novel fit many different genres. At the start it seemed like a family drama / coming of age or typical Victorian novel. Then it veered into being a Gothic Victorian novel and included magical realism. I enjoyed this. I also loved the romance between Mr. Barrett and Lydia. It was interesting putting together the pieces of both of their pasts. I also liked the sisterly conflict between Lydia and Catherine. It was an original story that combined different fictional elements that I enjoy.

Overall, The Witch of Willow Hall is a wonderful Halloween read that combines magic, witches, the Victorian era, love, and tragedy. I really enjoyed it and hope you will as well.

Book Source: Review Copy for being a part of the TLC Book Tour.

Although I read a great many novels involving paranormal elements, I usually don't blog about them on Flying High Reviews even when they have female protagonists that could be considered strong. There are several reasons why I decided that this review belongs here. One is that The Witch of Willow Hall is historical, another is that it's primarily a romance and finally October is the month of Halloween. So I thought the readers of this blog might be interested in a seasonal historical romance about a witch. I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher via Net Galley.

I tend to be inclined to try out new writers. Every year I find debut novels that show potential. I hoped that The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox would be one of them.


The best aspect of this novel is the protagonist's character growth. Lydia is the middle daughter in a family with a heritage of witchcraft. Despite taking place in 19th century Massachusetts, this initially seemed to have a great deal in common with the TV series Charmed about three sisters who were witches from a long line of magical practitioners which takes place in a contemporary context. Charmed just rebooted with a very current approach and a new set of sisters on the CW network. There are some major differences between The Witch of Willow Hall and Charmed. In the book that is the subject of this review, there weren't three paranormally gifted sisters, and there was no one to train those who did have gifts. Lydia was pretty much on her own coming to grips with her powers, and the ghosts at Willow Hall. This meant that she needed to become very strong and independent, and that's exactly the direction in which she evolved over the course of the narrative.

Since Hester Fox's book is a romance, it focused on the impact that being a witch had on Lydia's relationships--particularly her relationships with the men in her life, and the poisoned relationship with her elder sister Catherine who apparently had no powers, and perceived herself as being in competition with Lydia. I thought that Catherine wasn't sufficiently developed, but Lydia herself and the man who emerged as the romantic hero more than made up for Catherine's deficiencies in character development.

I think it's possible that Hester Fox will write better books in the future, and that The Witch of Willow Hall certainly works for historical romance fans who are looking for a Halloween read.

My Highly Caffeinated Thought: An eerie and heartfelt tale in which the writing is only surpassed by the superb storytelling.

THE WITCH OF WILLOW HALL is one of the most eloquent and masterful books I have read this year. The author not only gives her reader a solid historical novel with a hint of romance but also weaves into the threads of the story the supernatural elements effortlessly.

Before I go any further, I have to point out the author's talent. This book is brilliantly written and expertly plotted so that the reader's experience is nothing short of enjoyable. For me, I was in awe of the way everything blended together and I was transported in time to Willow Hall. The characters, the setting, and the emotions in these pages captivated.

I can't recommend this book more. If you are someone who enjoys tales of love, loss, and family, this book is for you. Should you also crave a hint of magic, then this book is a must-read. Curl up and get cozy, because this is going to be a journey you will not soon forget.

The Witch of Willow Hall is a great read just in time for Halloween. This reminded me of a grown up version of Hocus Pocus except for the fact of the long lost youngest daughter and her next generation keeping the powers a secret until an unusual event happens where her powers activate. A fascinating read that immediately pulls you in imagining that you are right in the story following along wanting to know what happens to everyone! A read that is definitely necessary for Halloween.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. We will consider this title for our Fiction collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars!

Make me watch a scary movie and I’m the clichéd person watching through the tiny slivers of space between my fingers. But give me a terrifying book and I’m an intrepid explorer, the person who isn’t scared to investigate the suspicious noise or bewildering chill in the house.

I’ve been waiting for a book to scare me, and I didn’t fully realize it until I began Hester Fox’s powerfully atmospheric The Witch of Willow Hall.

Unlike the romances I’ve been reading, this book offered no guaranteed Happily Ever After, and I could feel that uncertainty—and the fears, anger, and resentment—burning on every page as Lydia Montrose settled into her new home, Willow Hall, and learned its secrets.

It’s not just Willow Hall that’s the mystery here.

There is something…different about Lydia, something her mother tells her she must hide from others forever. It leads to Tommy Bishop being hurt when he and Lydia are children; it divides Lydia and her sister, Catherine, reminding them both of the first time their family was almost ruined; and it threatens to erupt at Willow Hall, where they’ve moved in an effort to escape Boston and the public ruination of their family.

Fox is adept at pacing; she shrouds so much of the house and characters in mystery, and then slowly pulls back the veil bit by bit, until Lydia—and the readers—have just enough information to scuttle along until the next crisis. And she’s even more skilled in how she makes use of imagery. The characters and their wild, isolated, terrifying setting are richly evoked, particularly when it comes to the creepy little details that distinguish a really good ghost story from a mediocre one.

There were a few details of the plot that I questioned—they didn’t seem to entirely make sense in terms of characterization—but The Witch of Willow Hall gave me so much that I was looking for: it's a well-crafted, engrossing ghost story that had me shivering in fright and glee.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley but all opinions provided are my own.

4.5 Stars

This book took me by surprise, in a fantastic way. It was much creepier than I expected, with unexpected twists and turns. Some of the juicier tidbits I was able to figure out, but I still enjoyed the reveal.

Lydia Montrose and her family have been exiled from Boston, for rumors that involve her older sister. Now they have settled in Old Newbury, in the newly built Willow Hall. However, there is a foreboding presence there, which Lydia feels deeply. As well, Lydia is beginning to experience a strange and magical awakening of her own.

This is a book about family, loyalty, the weight of obligation and becoming our own, independent unit outside of those familial obligations. This book shows how women were expected to behave in the past (1821 America), how they were the ones at fault if there was any scandal, how their wishes and dreams were overshadowed by the men in their lives.

Lydia is the ever dutiful daughter, most often at the expense of her own happiness. She is quick to sooth a situation, to believe the best in others and to put her family above herself, even when they do nothing to deserve this blind obedience and love. Especially Catherine, the eldest Montrose daughter, who is cruel and hateful to Lydia. While the reader may have some sympathy for her when they realize the extent of the rumors and her "situation", she is still callous, cold hearted and selfish.

This is also a novel about loss. The loss of loved ones, the loss of innocence, the loss of faith and ideals. Lydia is changed throughout by truths that come to light about her family, her friends and herself. She uses her loss to become stronger, to defeat those that would seek to use and control her, and to find happiness for herself. It is also about things and people who haunt the characters. How past mistakes continue to plague the Montrose's lives and John Barrett, often leading to more mistakes or Lydia being pigeon holed into a life she does not want to live. The sweltering landscape and claustrophobic house become a metaphor for the sins of the family, eating away at the soul of each character. As winter comes, the family must succumb to their follies or face a rebirth.

Lydia goes from a weak, timid character, to a strong, passionate protector. I liked her and I loved her interactions with John Barrett. Their love reminded me of regency romances, very much like the love between characters in Austen or Bronte. John was a strong character, with faults that made him sympathetic and likable, and was also able to build Lydia up, instead of tearing her down. He was not written in to overshadow who she is, but to compliment her character and all that she hopes to become.

A great read, with some horrifying moments and some heartbreaking ones. A truly Gothic novel, with descriptions that transport you into Lydia's overbearing world. Characterization is fabulous, each new person you meet somehow enriches the plot and the growth of Lydia. There are some surprises and moments that leave you shocked and appalled, but the story intertwines these revelations with redemption and forgiveness. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, Gothic romance and horror.