5 Gold dust stars for this gothic. It was so enjoyable for an October read. Just what I was looking for and it really delivered. Highly atmospheric. I enjoyed the characters and the setting, which was a bit of a character in and of itself. The woods, a pond, a magical willow tree (maybe?); ghosts, things that go bump in the night! An old estate. Family secrets.

The family is involved in a bit of scandal. They move to Willow Hall to hide away until things blow over. I loved Lydia and connected to her very quickly. Her sister, Catherine, not so much. She is quite nasty and self absorbed. Lydia finds things happen when she gets angry. She doesn't understand some of the things that happen. At Willow Hall she will get the answers she has looked for all of her life. Can her family be connected to the Salem witches somehow? Her little sister Emaline likes to look for mermaids in the pond about the willow tree. What else does Emaline see there? There is also a budding romance between John (Lydia's father's business partner) and Lydia.
But what is his motive? And Catherine seems to want to steal him for herself.

This is seriously atmospheric and slowly builds. The pace was perfect and the characters well developed. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a good gothic. High on the suspense meter.

Thank you to Hester Fox and the publisher, Graydon House, via NetGalley for an ARC for review. I look forward to reading more by the author!

This book is awesome! I liked the writing style. I liked the creepiness.

I received a free copy from Harlequin Publicity and NetGalley for an honest review.

Very well written novel, with gothic, ghostly, melancholy elements! Personally not my genre, so I did not enjoy it as much as others might if they really like to read gothic fiction.

4 stars

Hester Fox's debut novel The Witch of Willow Hall is the perfect gothic ghost story for October book clubs looking for a creepy October read. Set in Massachusetts in the Era of Good Feelings (the period after the War of 1812), it tells the story of the Montrose family along with that of their ancestors, the Hales, and Prestons. The protagonist, Lydia, is the middle sister and has occasionally seemed to possess some interesting ability to both see and do things. She dotes on her younger sister Emeline but struggles to relate to her beautiful older sister Catherine, and her older brother Charles. After a scandal not involving Catherine, the family is forced, without Charles, to move to New Oldbury (a name that Catherine ridicules) to her father's recently purchased estate of Willow Hall. There Lydia meets John Barrett, who recently sold Willow Hall to Mr. Montrose but seems shocked that the family is moving there permanently. Montrose and Barrett have a mill business together. (Of course, given the date of 1821, you can guess where all that cotton is coming from...)

You attract them. Some mean you harm. Be prepared for what lies ahead.

Lydia has visions of what appear to be ghosts and receives cryptic warnings written on steamy mirrors or heard in voices that others seem not to hear. When stressed, intriguing things happen around Lydia. Her gift is both frustrating and protective, as she forges a path through mysteries and tragedies in her own family and that of John Barrett. Lydia is a fairly likable, if self-doubting heroine. Her relationship with her younger sister is especially well written and poignant. Not being much of a romance fan, her relationships with her potential suitors, Cyrus and John, struck just the right balance for me.

The novel is well written and plotted. It's evident that Fox researched her subject and the region of New England. Although some of the character interactions feel a bit anachronistic for the era in tone and language, the book is still quite enjoyable for readers of historical fiction. If Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, and Alice Hoffman had a book baby/project, it could be this book!

All in all, I'd recommend the book for those looking for a light witchy read for October for their book club. I do have a trigger warning mentioned below in a spoiler...

(view spoiler) ->The novel contains a subplot with incest. (spoiler is hidden on Goodreads.)

I received a Digital Review Copy and a paper review copy from Graydon House/Harlequin, a division of Harper Collins, in exchange for an honest review.

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While I loved the premise of this book, I struggled to over look how much I disliked the majority of the characters. I really liked the main character and her younger sister, there relationship was interesting to watch and I enjoyed getting to learn about her fathers business partner. I disliked how long Fox made us wait to learn what the scandal that effected her family and set off the events in the book was because I had built it up so much in my mind and also had pretty much figured it out that the reveal wasn't was strong as it could have been and I felt a little underwhelmed by it. I strongly disliked her family and several times almost put the book down because of something they did. I did really enjoy the ending and I defiantly got emotional during one particularly sad event. This was a fun book to read during the fall but overall I was a little let down.

Thanks NetGalley for my free review copy!

In 1821 America, a young witch, gradually learns to use her talents properly and to accept who and what she is.

(It always starts with a Bishop, does it not?)

Boston, 1811.

What if your temper got the best of you, to disastrous results? What if you didn’t know what happened, only to find a boy beaten and bloody at your feet? What if you were only 8 and told it was best to never speak of the incident again? Lydia Montrose, though scared and confused, does what she is told.

New Oldbury, 1821.

Ten years later, the Montrose family flees Boston thanks to the scandalous accusations leveled at them. Only this time it isn’t Lydia’s fault. Relocating to grand, yet isolated Willow Hall seems to be just what the family needs. While the countryside (and a certain handsome neighbor) is idyllic, the expansive home’s atmospheric is malevolent, especially to Lydia and Emeline. After a terrible tragedy strikes the family, Lydia needs to discover who she truly is, if she has any hope of rescuing herself and her family.

What a perfect autumn read! The Witch at Willow Hall* is Hester Fox’s debut novel and I loved it (not to put too fine a point on it). Featuring a strong female lead, a malicious sister, mysterious apparitions, an eligible bachelor, and secret family histories, there’s plenty to keep the pages turning, without being overwhelming. Equal parts gothic mystery, historical fiction, and ghost story, this is a book best read when the leaves are changing and the wind is howling.

Or whenever it strikes your fancy.

Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there’s still one witch left in Massachusetts. But she doesn’t even know it.

Take this as a warning: if you are not able or willing to control yourself, it will not only be you who suffers the consequences, but those around you, as well.

New Oldbury, 1821

In the wake of a scandal, the Montrose family and their three daughters—Catherine, Lydia and Emeline—flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall.

The estate seems sleepy and idyllic. But a subtle menace creeps into the atmosphere, remnants of a dark history that call to Lydia, and to the youngest, Emeline.

All three daughters will be irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves. For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end…

Review:

What a great story for this witching season.

It is very atmospheric and gothic in feel. It is also so full of romance, mystery, ghosts, secrets and machinations. There is a whole lot wrong in Lydia's family and Lydia tries to help those around her even though, honestly some of her family does not deserve her help. Then she has this power that is a confusion to her and takes a ghost relative to help her learn about her gifts. Then there is John Barrett their new neighbor, who Lydia has strong feelings for. Both John and Lydia are not very clear about their feelings that lead to some misunderstandings and road blocks in their romance.

A very descriptive and engaging read, that I could not put down once I started reading it. I so wrapped in the story I did not want it to end.

Cannot wait to read what this Author comes out with next!

4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

Gothic romance with witches, ghosts is full of surprises
By Sandy Mahaffey For The Free Lance–Star Oct 6, 2018

I must confess that I didn’t know just what I was in store for me when I began Hester Fox’s “The Witch of Willow Hall.” Little did I know that it was part of several genres that I tend not to read. Yet, much to my delight, I found it to be a well-written, engaging read. It is a YA, gothic romance with witches and ghosts.
It is also Fox’s impressive début novel.
The Montrose family has moved from Boston to the countryside to escape a scandal created by their eldest daughter, Catherine. Their father had originally built their house, Willow Hall, as a summer retreat, but they will be living there permanently while he begins setting up a new cotton mill with a young business partner, John Barrett.
Lydia is convinced that Catherine’s scandal will prevent her from ever marrying. She also possesses special talents over which she has no control. She has no idea she is a witch, nor does she understand why she is the only one who keeps seeing and hearing ghosts. A family tragedy, broken engagements, new love, rivalries, sulking sisters, a handsome hero and a nasty villain and all the other surprises the Montrose family brings are not what the sleepy hamlet of New Oldbury expected from their new neighbors.
Hester Fox has created some extremely interesting characters, who I found nearly impossible to either cheer for or detest. There are enough surprises in the plot to keep one engaged, and the 1821 New England village comes to life through her writing.
“The Witch of Willow Hall” is light, a bit suspenseful, romantic and engaging. As much as I enjoyed it, I am certain her target audience will love it.

Sandy Mahaffey is former Books editor at The Free Lance–Star.

Eerie and atmospheric. The romance was obvious and the animosity between the two older sisters escalated out of nowhere, but the story itself was gothic and creepy. I would have liked to see Lydia learn about her powers earlier on but overall, this was a great October read.

“Witch” is rich in atmosphere and character. Hester Fox makes her characters alive and three-dimensional. For me, the weakness in this novel is that the plot didn’t support a 365 page novel. At better than half way through the book, I didn’t have any real sense of a motive or reason for the actions of the characters. I did finish the novel, and did understand more about the character and their stories, but for my tastes, too slowly.

3.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first gothic historical fiction book I've read. The writing was well done and the story was interesting, but I have mixed feelings about this book. It seemed to float between several genres and the story became a bit muddled in the process.

The book is set in 1821 in a small town outside Boston. The Montrose family, which includes daughters Catherine, Lydia, and Emeline, flee Boston amid a terrible scandal to start anew in their country home, Willow Hall. Rather than being the quiet, relaxing countryside home they need, something sinister lurks in the shadows. Lydia and Emeline are affected the most by the supernatural forces surrounding Willow Hall. Powers they didn't know they had emerge in dangerous ways.

Meanwhile, Catherine is desperately seeking a husband in an attempt to get out from under the specter of the family scandal. She sets her sights on scoundrel Mr. Pierce, hoping she can manipulate him into a quick wedding. Lydia has eyes for Mr. Barrett - an accomplished, handsome gentleman who lives in the estate next door. Complicating matters is Lydia's former fiancé Cyrus who dumped her when the scandal broke. His family's fortunes have taken a dive and he is now back, trying to blackmail Lydia into marrying him. While dealing with all of these things, tragedy strikes the Montrose family again. Will Lydia's powers be a help or a hindrance in these trying times?

Overall, the book was a good, quick read with an interesting story. I encourage you to try this genre out for yourself to see if it's something you'd like.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
2.5 stars

My thoughts are somewhat conflicted about this one.

From the synopsis I was expecting my witchy creepy stuff. And I will say, there is some great creepy scenes with some good imagery. Those scenes had me thoroughly interested and fit with all the other suspenseful books I've been reading. Yay Halloween season!

The thing is the story really favors the historical aspect with the period sensitive problems. I like historical romances and I like suspenseful stuff, but it felt like the two didn't always work together. The problems always seemed to eclipse the creepy stuff... which I thought would have been a much larger part of the book, thanks to the synopsis.

The characters weren't too bad, they were pretty real. I just never got around to liking anyone completely. The romances were pretty quick and I don't think they were fully flushed out. This might have been because it felt like the book was going in different directions.

Yet, I continued to be interested in what would happen-- who would end up with who? what will happen to them all? Is she a witch or not?? It is a dark and gritty book for the most part with interesting scenes and I liked the flow of the writing.

Would I recommend this book? If you like historical books and want some suspense, totally. If you want a witch story, then no. I'll probably check out more of the authors work in the future.

I seemed to be on the end of a bandwagon of people who read this anticipated debut. I read reviews that absolutely loved it and those that were pretty disappointed. I think I fall somewhere in the middle. As a debut, I was incredibly impressed with Hester Fox. I’m keeping my eye on her and I’m definitely going to read what she comes out with next. But, it certainly wasn’t perfect. It suffered a bit with its premise. I feel like Fox could have taken the witch-y elements so much further than she did. Even the book synopsis sort of insinuates a little more than what actually happens.

I wouldn’t call this a book about magic (although to say there is NO magic would be insincere). To me it felt like a haunted version of Sense & Sensibility. Let’s start with the beginning – three sisters, used to the bigger city, move to the countryside. While out for a walk, one is caught in the rain, hurts herself & is rescued by a handsome eligible bachelor who also happens to be wandering around in the middle of a downpour… sound familiar? Of course, in the case, John Barrett is lovely (unlike a certain Willoughby).

To be fair, the book does do it’s own thing but I believe Fox was channeling a bit of Jane Austen through the whole thing – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The Montrose family is well rounded and each of them have their own fears, passions and faults. Sisterly fighting, romance, suspense, tons of intrigue & ghosts galore. The ending also may have been the best part of the whole novel.

But I feel like I have to mention (as a mother!) that the Montrose girls’ mother really got the short end of the stick in this one. I won’t say more because #spoilers but let’s just say it seems like nothing good happens to that poor woman.

To wrap it up, this book took me a couple chapters to really dig in & there were some parts that were downright silly but overall I enjoyed it. Fox also managed to give Willow Hall a proper ending but left a huge opening for follow up stories – either with Lydia herself or future generations. I hope there is a little more witchcraft in those…

I knew I was saving this for the fall for a reason. What a great first read of the Halloween season!

I am a sucker for the supernatural. Give me witches, ghosts, demons… pretty much anything other than zombies and I am all over it so obviously as soon as I heard of The Witch of Willow Hall I knew I had to read it. The fact that this book not only brings out a supernatural element but is also a historical fiction (which I have been meaning to read way more of, by the way) just pulled me even further. I mean, witches and ghosts are one thing but witches and ghosts when your home is still lit by candlelight every day? That is the perfect storm for a chilling fall read!

While it became quite obvious early on that this book was not at all what I was expecting, I was still instantly pulled in and had a hard time putting it down. In fact, I didn’t put it down. No matter how sore my eyes got or how late at night it was, there was no way I was sleeping until I had read every page and when the wee morning hours finally came, I was ready to start it all over again. Such a page turner!

I will admit that I was expecting more in the supernatural sense; more witches or some spell work but I found that I wasn’t disappointed by the lack of it. Don’t get me wrong, there was just the perfect amount of chilliness, but I went in thinking that would be the focus of this book. That being said, I was surprised and pretty pleased that the more I read, the more it seemed that The Witch of Willow Hall is really more focused on Lydia coming to terms with herself. I really enjoyed watching her grow as a person and come into her own throughout the book.

Another big focus in this book will bring out the romantic in all of us. Yes, there is romance. In a subtle Pride and Prejudice sort of way. That is to be expected though with the historical setting and I’m not sure why I didn’t realize that when I first picked up this book. What I loved most about the love story in this, was that it wasn’t overpowering. Sure, there was tension and conflict but it was written in a way that didn’t take away from anything else in the story. It just flows perfectly.

Hester Fox has, without a doubt, written a novel that will last through the ages. With the perfect balance of romantic tension, family drama and supernatural eeriness this haunting page turner is the ideal fall read.

If this is the debut, I can't wait to see what Fox has in store next!

Finally, I'd love to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to read and provide my honest opinions

The weather for the majority of the time I was reading this book was chilly and blustery- a perfect backdrop for this story. The disgraced Montrose family has taken residence in a rural town after a family scandal leaves too many tongues wagging in Boston. Middle sister Lydia is struggling as she is upset with her older sister Catherine for her role in the scandal, and takes a great deal of responsibility for her younger sister. Lydia is also finding out some surprising facts about herself, and her relationship to her ancestors- who were accused of witchcraft.
This story is atmospheric- the homes and landscapes are vivid, and the author has captured some of the challenges and expectations of the time that Lydia is dealing with. It's a perfect fall book, with some spooky witchcraft elements and the dark undertones and atmosphere (but it's a book that is totally suitable for wimps, too, as it is never too scary). It's quickly paced, which is always my preference in historical fiction. There's also a bit of romance in this book took, and it's the kind that's sweet and earnest and adds a perfect touch to this story.

Perfectly good gothic tale of a witch that doesn't know she's a witch! Creepy and romantic...just like I like them!

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley for a fair and honest review. I wanted to like this book. I really did. All of the buzzwords and way this book was described meant it should have been a perfect read for me. Instead I found myself bored and confused. The secret reveal was both fairly obvious if you weren't the main character, while also seeming to have no real point other than shock value. Lots of things happen in this book. Tragic events take place in the present and the past but I felt removed from them all. The characters seemed more like outline profiles than fully realized people who lived in the world of this book. Don't think I would pick up anything else by this author.

A great fall read! A slow burning historical gothic tale. It also has a sweet romance.
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC for an unbiased review!

If you like stories that raise goosebumps up and down your arms and makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up you absolutely must pick up this book because it has it all and then some. It has the creepy atmosphere with of course the ghost and sprinkled with magic. You will devour this as fast as you can read it and absolutely revel in it. Happy reading!