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!

I was disappointed in this book as I was expecting a much creepier story. It is basically a romantic tale with a few mild ghosts thrown in. As far as that goes, I guess it was written well enough, just not my cup of tea.. A fairly quick, somewhat boring, read.

Lydia Montrose and her family moved from Boston to the town of New Oldbury in 1821 to escape scandal. Heartbreak seems to follow anyway, and the subtle menace in Willow Hall awakens power that Lydia had never been told about.

The scandal is alluded to and finally outright stated about a third of the way through the book: Lydia's older sister Catherine and their brother Charles had an affair, and others in society caught wind of it, shattering the Montrose girls' engagements. Nothing is described in any kind of detail, so it likely will not act as a trigger for those sensitive to the topic of incest.

Emmeline is a ray of sunshine and Catherine has few likable moments even aside from her constant sniping, flirting and maintaining that she did nothing wrong to be ostracized. Lydia is studious and more interested in books, and her interest in her father's young business partner is clear. His interest in her, on the other hand, is not as believable even though it's obvious to the reader.

A lot of the characters fit Gothic stereotypes with no additional presence or sense of individuality. I found the plot interesting enough to keep me turning pages, but it doesn't haunt me after I finish it. (Excuse the pun!)

There 's little actual witchcraft, despite the witch of the title, and it seems to be herb lore and some kind of psychic phenomena, as well as the ability to see and talk to ghosts. This might make it a little less frightening, though, with the content in the book, I would put this at a young adult or new adult reading level.

It was a romance at heart but it had me slightly creeped out at the beginning. It’s not exactly scary but there was a scene or too that gave me goosebumps. The story itself is a beautiful love story and I felt a tug in my heart during the end. Sometimes romance books can be extremely predictable to the point of eye rolling and sometimes they’re written so well that you don’t mind if they’re predictable. This was 4/5 ⭐️ for me and I definitely recommend it for your October tbr!

After a massive scandal, the Montrose family and their three daughters—Catherine, Lydia, and Emeline—flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall. While the estate seems idyllic and calming, Lydia senses a dark sense of unease and her baby sister Emeline seems to be a bit unnerved and a bit stressed than her usual carefree ways. Actually, all three daughters seem to be changing and acting more defensive towards one another.

Before long tragedy strikes and more and more Lydia realizes that she has a power that has remained untapped until the dark forces in the house seem to have pulled them out of her onto the surface.

This was an extremely fast read that was hard to put down, knowing that things in the atmosphere were causing changes in most people in the surrounding area. The two sisters Catherine and Lydia were now opponents and tricks and innuendoes were thrown back and forth as Catherine was desperate to marry no matter that Lydia was in love with the man she had set her sites on.

Very entertaining, lots of suspense and a bit of the supernatural made this a great read for the folks who love a bit of fantasy thrown into their genre!

Marilyn Rondeau

The Witch of Willow Hall interested me from the first page, well to be honest, the blurb had me wanting to get my hands on this one from the moment I read it. Their was a bit of every genre in this well-paced story. There was romance, betrayal, mystery, secrecy, and loss. Hester Fox did a wonderful job combining all of these genres into a historical fiction novel that would appeal to teens and adults alike. I definitely recommend The Witch of Willow Hall to anyone who enjoys a historical romance with a bit of mystery and the paranormal and commend Ms. Fox on a lovely debut release!

I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Witch of Willow Hall is a perfect fall read to me. It's got just the right amount of thrill and spooky vibes, unlikable but compelling characters, a heroine to root for, and a little dash of romance that you'll root for.

The first few chapters were a little bit of a slow start for me, but it's a slow start that builds suspense and wonder about the Montrose family backstory and why they've had to leave Boston. It's not solely for one obvious reason or another, and once pieces of Lydia's story began coming together, I needed to see how everything played out. The Witch of Willow Hall is a delightfully gothic story involving witchcraft, forbidden forests, and a large and spooky house holding all sorts of secrets.

Fox's world-building reminded me a lot of Guillermo del Toro's Crimson Peak in the way it presents the reader with an assumption that soon reveals more truths than initially expected. If you're looking for a fall read that's not too spooky but with the right amount of atmosphere, twists, and historical fantasy, then check out The Witch of Willow Hall!

I don't read YA books these days but this one sounded interesting.

It is very well written and got me hooked in the story pretty fast.

Even if you aren't into young adult books I do recommend this one.

This was a spooky, romantic, atmospheric read — perfect for October, and perfect for fans of old-school Gothic novels.

Since it’s October and Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, I’ve been trying to read more spooky reads. Lydia growing up has always know she was different and her family has been ousted due to a scandal. The story follows Lydia as she adjusts in her new town and deals with her dreadful sister, Catherine. Her parents are distant and she’s more of a mother to her younger sister, Emeline. There were several revelations in this story that I didn’t see coming and it had my jaw dropping. One revelation was very sad and it rugged at my heart strings.

I liked the story but I was hoping for more supernatural elements. It was mainly a romance book with a few suspenseful elements thrown in.I wanted more and needed more supernatural. It would have been nice to see Lydia really come into herself and her new found powers. The last few chapters of the book felt rushed and in my opinion that’s when things really started to come together.

Overall this was a good debut novel by Hester Fox. The story flowed, the plot held my attention and this book was a refreshing and different read. I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author.

This a lovely creepy read for a cold rainy fall day! Fox’s debut is a dark historical gothic romance which introduces the tarnished Montrose family who have fled Boston due to scandal and rumors and settled into the family’s summer home in the country. But the Willow Hall is haunted and they’ve brought many of their problems with them. The story is at heart a twisting coming of age story for middle sister, Lydia, who must come to terms with her place in her family and its many secrets. Add to that ties to the Salem Witch trials and a sweet romance—this was hard to put down.

This book starts with a bit of darkness that hints at more darkness to come. On that scale, it did deliver. The story gets plenty dark as secrets are revealed, but not in the form I expected. In all honesty, I had a hard time deciphering exactly what this book is about. Once Lydia and family reach Willow Hall, it has a Gothic feel, complete with some creepy ghosts and even a few cryptic warnings for Lydia. Lydia's magic is mentioned, but we only actually see it three or four times, and it all happens very quickly. Between those instances, there's a load of sibling rivalry with Lydia's oldest sister, Catherine, a sinister death, a broken engagement, a new love interest, and threats to reveal the family's secrets. Granted, there are several compelling scenes throughout the book and this is not your typical family, but on the whole, the story tends to ramble through different plot lines and the day to day life of the family. Everything does eventually come together, but it certainly takes a long and twisting path to get there. The descriptions of Willow Hall and surrounding areas are vivid, but the dialogue often seems more akin to modern day than of the early 19th century setting. In the end, I did finish the book, but found it a bit frustrating to get through at times.

Publisher's Description:

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.

My Thoughts:
This debut novel has both sad and very spooky moments. It is described as being a young adult title but I am not sure I would recommend it as such.
To me the paranormal, incestuous and ghostly aspects lean more towards an adult tale.
This well written ghost story with witchly aspects is just the ticket for the upcoming Halloween season.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. Be prepared for ghosts, ghosts and newly minted ghosts. There is a plethora of paranormal activity in this debut novel.

THE WITCH OF WILLOW HALL BY HESTER FOX BOOK REVIEW
No toil & trouble here. Hester Fox writes an enjoyable, gothic fiction novel with The Witch of Willow Hall.

HISTORICAL FICTION WITH GOTHIC STYLE
Expectations are everything, right?

Please heed this advice, if you’re expecting this to be a super creepy jaw-dropping thriller, this is not your book. If you’re looking for a well-crafted Gothic type of historical fiction novel The Witch of Willow Hall is a sure bet.

The book is a bit of a slow start for me. I blame myself. If the title of a book has the word witch in it, then I expect spells, sorcery & tons of black magic. As I kept reading, I quickly realized Hester Fox creates a wonderful story centered around a family with generations of secrets right underneath the surface. Throw in a big house in the country with a shadowed past & I’m here for it all!

GET A LITTLE SPOOKED
As the story progresses, there are a few spooky parts, but that’s not the heart of the story. The further I read, the more I enjoyed The Witch of Willow Hall. Had I expected a more historical fiction type of novel, I would’ve eaten it up with a spoon.

Funny enough, the more that I think about it as I’m typing up this review, I realize I actually liked it quite a bit. October is a great time to read this type of book as the darker setting, the time period & the style lends itself so well to Halloween. And in case you didn’t know, I am REALLY into everything Halloween & Gothic inspired!

THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! Also, I totally feel like Hester can continue this story if she chooses. I would definitely revisit Lydia’s story.

If you’re looking for another spooky read, check out The Broken Girls by Simone St. James.

Special thanks to Hester Fox, Harlequin/Graydon House Publishing & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

I loved the Gothic feel of this book. Readers won't be able to shake the sense of foreboding that will haunt them throughout the story. While it isn't a fast-paced story, I think there is plenty happening to hold reader's attention including witchcraft of course, but also ghosts, buried family secrets, romance, scandal and tragedy.

The Gilded Age: a Little Supernatural, and a Lot of Romance

The Montrose family fled Boston because of a scandal. Ensconced in Willow Hall their country home, tensions in the family flare. Catherine, the older daughter, is dissatisfied with the lack of company, Emmeline, the youngest, loves the outdoors and is strangely drawn to the pond. Lydia, the middle daughter, wishes for romance, but fears that stuck in Catherine’s shadow, she will always be a spinster.

John Barrett, their father’s new business partner in the mill, seems uncomfortable with the family living in Willow Hall. He’s an attractive man. Catherine makes a play for him, but he is quiet and not very interested. Lydia, although she doubts she has a chance, is immediately and powerfully attracted to him.

Beneath the overlay of romance, dark forces seem to be gathering. Lydia can feel it, but she doesn’t know how to protect her family.

Although the supernatural plays a substantial role in this story, it is also the story of young women falling in love and dealing with family issues. Lydia narrates the story. She is caught between Catherine’s selfishness and Emmeline’s need for supervision and love. The story is filled with eerie descriptions giving a sense that something is not right about the house and the surrounding area.

I enjoyed the story. There is just enough supernatural to be creepy, but the interactions between the sister are normal and realistic. The background of the Gilded Age with all the manners and restrictions on young ladies is well done. I recommend this book if you like spooky, but not too frightening.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

The Witch of Willow Hall has all the making of a classic gothic romance, with a little sprinkle of witchcraft.

The Montrose family has recently left Boston, surrounded by scandal. They make their way to the new country home, Willow Hall. Catherine is the beautiful (and cruel) older sisters. Emeline is the youngest and most free spirited. And then there's Lydia. Lydia has the characteristics of Jane Eyre, a head strong, independent spirit.

Lydia is not comfortable in the new family home. Sleepless nights, relentless bullying by Catherine, tragedy, and a unsettling feeling deep inside of her, Lydia is the one who grows the most from the move to Willow Hall.

Hester Fox has taken a genre/story that could have gone down many routes - she could have taken this to a flashy blockbuster witch story, or to a more romance heavy storyline. Instead, she's taken a story of a woman who is on the search for herself - just like all great gothic novels are.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Hester Fox for the opportunity to read and review this book.