Holy cow did I love this book! I was initially drawn in just by the tagline, "Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there's still one witch left in Massachusetts. But she doesn't even know it." and I'm happy to say that this book is more than just a great tagline. After a scandal forces Lydia Montrose and her family to flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall, she notices strange occurrences cropping up in the seemingly charming estate. Lydia feels a growing sense of terror and unease in her new home, which only worsens after the death of her younger sister. After one such encounter with the supernatural, Lydia discovers there is a power within her that she must learn to harness if she wants to protect herself and her loved ones. I can't say enough how much I loved this book. It was beautifully written (so hard to believe this was Fox's first novel!) and the witchy-ness wasn't too overpowering and in your face. It was subtle and allowed for the story to become so much more. I cannot recommend this one enough.

Set in Massachusetts in 1821, The Witch of Willow Hall follows the Montrose family, prominent members of Boston society until they flee as a result of a family scandal. Samuel, his wife, and their three daughters (Catherine, Lydia & Emeline) settle in the little town of New Oldbury. Their son Charles does not go with them, but goes to live in London.

This is a slow novel, rich in dark, Gothic atmosphere. There is a bit of suspense, a bit of romance, a bit of the paranormal, and lots of family drama. The story is told from the point of view of Lydia, the middle daughter, who, for most of the book, doesn't realize she's a witch, and when she finds out, must learn how to deal with and control it.

This book is too slow and repetitious for my taste. I keep seeing it in my mind as an old black and white melodrama film.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Graydon House for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

More than 3.5 but not quite 4 STARS

I came across this book while scrolling NetGalley and found the synopsis intriguing enough to request a review copy. On the surface, the numerous elements can appear overwhelming, but I found the storyline to be well balanced and interesting. It involves elements of witchcraft, but this book certainly has a more gothic vibe than paranormal. There is an also excellent weaving of early American history. Throw in a little mystery, and I found a great autumn read. My only complaint is the romance seemed a little too forced, and while I liked both characters, there was no strong connection to their romantic feelings. I was impressed to learn this is the author's debut novel and will definitely her next book. If you enjoy historical/gothic genre, this is one to try.

After spending a week in Boston and Salem, Massachusetts last month I was eager to read this book set in the same area, featuring a gorgeous cover and witchy plot. Alas, there was not much witchiness to be had on these pages.

This book hints at supernatural elements but, ultimately, is a historical read set in the 19th century that focuses on too many different issues (romantic angst, familial scandal, death, paranormal elements …) but these issues didn't come together smoothly. From the book's blurb, I was expecting things to go bump in the night, spooky happenings and the tension of a character worrying about being exposed as a witch. Some of these aspects are incorporated (strange powers, dark family history, ghosts) but they don't have much bearing on the plot, which seemed to lack purpose and tension. The anachronisms that are sprinkled throughout ("I lost my cool") didn't endear this book to me either.

If you're looking for a historical romance with a hint of paranormal, this will be for you. But if you're wanting a gothic read with loads of ghosts, ghouls and witches this Fall, you may be disappointed.

(I received a free advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review; I received no additional compensation)

I was immediately drawn to this book because I always want to read about witches and with the tagline "Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there’s still one witch left in Massachusetts. But she doesn’t even know it" I was hooked. While there are a few instances of magic realism, this book was more like a gothic version of Pride and Prejudice. That may sound great to some readers but I found it annoying with all the back and forth of who really loves who and what marriages are acceptable, etc. I wanted more of the witchcraft and less of the bickering sisters and badly timed love matches. .

You know those books that you literally cannot stop thinking about all day long, in whatever you're doing, and simply cannot wait for the moment you can pick it back up again? That was 100% this book for me. I'm also still feeling rather speechless as far as words to describe my thoughts and feelings about this incredible gem of a book.

I'm a huge sucker for books that surround and dapple in the time of the Salem witch trials, and I'm so thrilled that this book proved to be the incredible read for me that I was hoping and anticipating it would be. Especially with heading into October, I can say that this book was the PERFECT book to pick up, with all of it's eerie, suspicious, witchy, mysterious, and dark vibes that it gave off so well.

Right from the start of this book, I became absolutely absorbed and enthralled by the lives of the characters (all of which I enjoyed... including the ones I loved to hate), the somewhat creepy setting (hello, mansion in the middle of nowhere), the plot (deep, twisty, and fast-paced)... all of it! Perhaps what stood out to me the most as well as what I loved most was how atmospheric this read was. The descriptive and beautiful writing sucks you right into the life of the characters, exactly where they're at. When one of the characters felt suspenseful, so did I. When they felt angry, I did too. Something that really surprised me was how believable and even realistic this book seemed to me. So many times you can pick up a book that deals with witches, ghosts, etc. and it just feels so made up and not at all believable. Given the time period of the early 1800's that this story took place in, I can imagine that what the main character in this book experienced, was accurate with what the Salem witches would have said happened to them. While I wouldn't exactly consider this a work of historical fiction, it could nevertheless almost pass for one, because I felt it truly reflected the time period well.

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, and honestly couldn't turn the pages fast enough. This book holds incredible storytelling, fantastic character development, and will give you all the feels, whether they be spooked, angry, sappy, or amazed.

This is a book that I won't be forgetting anytime soon, and will be talking about/highly recommending to anybody who will listen!

Thank you so very much to Netgalley for kindly providing me with a free e-copy!

First of all, thank you to the publisher for sending me a final copy of this book. All opinions that follow are my own.

I really enjoyed reading this debut book by Hester Fox. THE WITCH OF WILLOW HALL is told from the viewpoint of main character, Lydia Montrose, who along with her parents and sisters (Catherine and Emeline), have started a new life at their country home (Willow Hall) after a mysterious scandal involving Catherine drives them out of Boston. As Lydia reluctantly adjusts to her new surroundings, she develops a secret crush on her father’s business partner, John Barrett, while also discovering she’s a witch after experiencing a traumatic, life-changing event.

I absolutely loved reading this story from Lydia’s viewpoint. She is one of the most intelligent, down-to-earth, likeable characters I’ve read about recently. Lydia enjoys reading, gardening, and taking care of young Emeline in her mother’s absence. She disapproves of Catherine’s self-absorbed schemes to snare a husband at any cost.

There is a lot of drama, intrigue, and tragedy throughout the story, but I can’t share specific details without giving away spoilers. I will say the book is more of a gothic romance than a story about witches and witchcraft though. Often, it reminded me of a suspenseful, American version of a Jane Austen novel with Mr. Barrett channeling Mr. Darcy. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for mystery, suspense, romance, and a bit of the supernatural.

I feel like this story had a lot of potential and it was pretty good but just not quite what I hoped it would be. I thought all the threads and ghosts and histories would all come together in a big way toward the end that never really happened. It was also made pretty obvious by the, you know, title, that Lydia was a witch but she took forever and a day to figure it out herself and it was a little annoying. This was true of a lot of the secrets in the story--Lydia was a lot slower to figure things out than the reader and it dragged some parts out a little unnecessarily. There was also a point in the middle where things went from sweet with a tinge of gothic to outright tragic and disturbing in a way I did not expect and I almost stopped reading. I am glad I kept going. The best part by far was the romance between Mr. Barrett and Lydia. I felt that tension between them down to my toes and it was awesome. Also, there were some truly creepy parts that one shouldn't read after dark. So it was enjoyable if also a little disappointing.

I was super excited to receive this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review on NetGalley. Thank you to Harlequin-Grayden House Books, NetGalley and the author, Hester Fox for this copy!❤️

I don’t even know where to start with this book, but it is an absolute must read! If you enjoy historical tales of ghosts and witches, this book will not disappoint! I just finished it and I am high on this amazing read! I would give 5 stars to the character development, plot and 5+ stars to the ending! ❤️ Wow!

I don’t want to give up too much, to ruin any of the surprises along the way. I loved Lydia’s character, I was cheering for her and wanting to wring her sister’s neck through the entire story!

This is one of my favorite books, possibly my favorite book of the year! If you read my book reviews, you will know I don’t give that away easily! This storyline continues to build, I wouldn’t say it was a slow burn, more of a smooth read with shocking revelations along the way. I was wowed more than once!

I’d also add that it’s not too scary but more of an eerie, and creepy feel that made me want to read it faster to learn more about Willow Hall and the direction of the story and it’s characters.

Dark and ominous, THE WITCH OF WILLOW HALL by Hester Fox is far too rich in atmosphere to fly along at a rapid pace. A beautifully written tale of menace, of ghosts and of a young woman with unexplained powers, dirty family secrets and a desire to know what love is.

When Lydia’s family left Boston to escape scandal, the idyllic estate her father built promised new beginnings. But what hid beneath the beautiful mansion and the secrets within her own family would bring a dark veil over them all. The only bright spot for Lydia was Mr. Barrett, but family jealousies could ruin any chance she had for happiness, as would the darkness she feared grew within her.

Hester Fox has colored an edgy tale and steeped it in the darkness of pain, deceit, death and visits from those beyond the veil. But the most dangerous of all may have been the living, as one kind-hearted young woman must learn to stand up for herself, who she is and what she wants.

Wonderfully described scenes come to life, the emotional havoc is taut and the feeling of history coming to life from another era is both terrifying and enthralling!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Graydon House!

Publisher: Graydon House; Original edition (October 1, 2018)
Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Genre: Gothic Romance
Print Length: 368 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

In 1821, the Montrose family and their three daughters move to Willow Hall in the country after a scandal forces them to leave Boston. At first it seems like a positive change, but what the family doesn’t know is the there is a dark history to Willow Hall that continues to haunt their present.

This was such an intriguing story. It was part mystery, part ghost story and part romance. I read this book in two sittings and it was so hard to put it down the first time. I was so entranced by the characters and their interactions with each other, but also the witchy side of the story. I will admit to being a huge wimp and I was definitely creeped out at some points in the novel. It brought to mind novels like Rebecca or Jane Eyre. It has the same chilling gothic feel to it. I was so invested in the characters, especially Lydia. Her sister Catherine is awful and she tries to cope with it the best she can. I personally would have given up and left her to clean up her own messes! Hester Fox made her characters seem to real to me that while rooting for Lydia, I ended up hating Catherine. In a lot of ways, it felt like a true sisterly relationship. They bickered and fought, though Catherine took being mean and selfish to a whole new level.

I would recommend this novel to fans of gothic romances and historical fiction. It is a perfect autumn read for those who enjoy reading Alice Hoffman or Deborah Harkness. Historical fiction with a side of magic!

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.

I enjoyed this debut novel from Hester Fox. The story is mostly about a family who leaves town in the wake of a scandal. Their new home comes with ghosts, witches and a handsome neighbor. I would say it is mostly a historical romance with some mystery and supernatural elements thrown in. It was a quick, enjoyable read -- perfect for fall/Halloween!

The Witch of Willow Hall is a deeply atmospheric novel set in 1821 on a mysterious estate. I thought the author did really well in setting the mood, but also in making each character seem well developed and intriguing. I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction and mystery and look forward to reading more by Hester fox!

The Witch of Willow Hall absolutely blew me away.

In 1821, in the wake of scandal, the Montrose family flees Boston for a country home in New Oldbury. The Montrose sisters—Catherine, Lydia, and Emeline—try to make the most of their new surroundings in the small town and in their new residence of Willow Hall. However, Willow Hall is not as idyllic as it first appears. Strange, dark things call for Lydia as she seeks to hold her family together through scandal and unstoppable tragedy.

I went into the novel not knowing really what to expect, but this is a slow-building, deliciously creepy novel that keeps you guessing.

For the first quarter of the novel, you have a lot more questions than answers. For example, why did they need to flee Boston? What’s the scandal? Where is their brother Charles?

Our narrator, Lydia, alludes to these issues multiple times so you can’t help but ask these questions yourself. But they usually fade into the background of the story itself, while you follow the sisters through their days. The novel really picks up at about the 25-30% mark. You get gut-punched with a major event and a plot twist right after one another, which was awesome.

I loved Lydia. She was determined, passionate about the things and people she loves, and incredibly resourceful. I loved her interactions and relationships with Catherine and Emeline. The three sisters will all be irrevocably changed during their time at Willow Hall, having to overcome tragedies that nearly tear them apart.

A lot of wonderfully creepy things happen at Willow Hall, and it’s up to Lydia to figure out what’s going on because she might be the only one who can understand and stop it all.

If you’re interested in a historical novel with strange and seemingly unexplainable occurrences, complicated sisterly relationships, tragedies and death, then I would highly recommend this novel!

I received a free copy from NetGalley. A few twists and turns to keep you guessing. Lots of weird family dynamics. An okay story.

So the beginning of this book reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. I really thought the book was going that way. Part way through it took a different turn and I bawled my eyes out reading this part. The way it was written is so gut-wrenching.I didn't see the whole thing about the scandal as what it was going to be. That was a surprise. I did find the whole getting to the witch part took really long. Overall I did enjoy this book and I am happy with how everything turned out.


*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

What a perfect fall/Halloween read! This story holds spookiness and intrigue in both hands and doles them out to the reader freely! I love a good story about someone who doesn’t know their true destiny and this one is nothing short of amazing! This one will definitely become a yearly reread!

I started this on the first day of fall and what a great choice! This is a deliciously creepy story of ghosts, witches and haunted houses. Perfect to kick off my favorite season. Plus, I loved the theme of women finding their power. My one little niggle was that the miscommunications went on a little *too* long; it all started feeling a bit farcical. Overall, though, I recommend this tale for those lengthening October evenings!

Historical fiction is one of those genres I'd like to read more often but I almost never end up picking when I choose a new book. However, this one appealed to me with its title and cover. I was intrigued to find out what this story really was about and I was lucky enough to get a copy to read and review through Netgalley.

I knew that this book wouldn't have a lot of 'witchy' stuff happening when I started it so I wasn't disappointed. The supernatural elements were in the background compared to the romance and the family issues but it wasn't a problem for me. Though you can expect to meet a few ghosts.

As for the characters and romance, I rooted for the couple (Lydia and John). They were so sweet together and I really hoped they would get a happy ending. The character I hated the most was Catherine (her sister)... Seriously, if I had a sister like that, I don't know what I would have done.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I couldn't have been more happy with the way it ended.