The setting: "Three women. Five centuries. One secret." Three timelines/voices.

Epigraph: "Weyward in used in the First Folio edition of Macbeth. In later versions, "Weyward" was replaced by "Weird.""

Altha, early 17th century, tried as a witch. [starting in 1619]. Aligned with familiars. She and her mother were mostly reviled but also revered by some as they were herbalists/healers. Her story is italicized; the others are not. [why?]

Violet, 1942. Abusive father and--no spoiler--Frederick [ugh]. She ultimately becomes an entomologist who resides in Weyward Cottage

Kate, 2019, London, Violet's great niece. Married to Simon, an abusive man; she escapes to Weyward Cottage where she starts anew.

When I started the book, I wondered if I would like it--though a combination of fiction with magical realism, I just wasn't sure. In the end, I believe that I liked this book more than I should have!

Life, love, nature, magic, and insects and especially crows!!

The stories and histories are interwoven and gradually all is revealed.

A couple of pregnancy items bothered me--even at the beginning--noted to come back to the doctor in eight weeks? Not feeling kicking until the third trimester? Minor, but...

Often predictable [particularly the parallels] and what felt like caricatures--especially of [deserved] evil men. Note: there were two sympathetic males: Daniel Bainbridge [for Altha], and Violet's brother, Graham. Sometimes seemingly melodramatic.

3.5, rounding up, but... certainly not for everyone.

Not literary, but an easy, fast read. A debut novel.

Wow wow wow!!!

It was on my favorite books list of 2022 and it will get an honorable mention on my favorite books list for 2023 since it publishes this year.

WEYWARD by Emilia Hart, a story told by three women in three different eras.

Altha on trial for witchcraft in 1619

Violet in 1942 - just 16 years old living in a grand house being forced to conform to high-society norms but wanting to run free and do her own thing. She learns snippets about her "mad" dead mother, whispers that she was a witch.

Kate in 2019 - flees her abusive husband to her inherited cottage from her great-aunt Violet.

This book weaves the three stores of these women perfectly and magically, showing the power of nature and the resilience of women when they are faced with unthinkable violence from the men around them and the men who are meant to love them.

I simply love Hart's writing. The story is beautifully paced, each woman has her own unique voice even though they share many of the same issues and talents. A lot of similar things (I'll say things so I don't give anything away) happened to them.

The story wraps up in the most satisfying and delightful way.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this digital ARC!

Weyward is a beautiful story of strength, resilience, women's empowerment, and love. If you're a historical fiction lover, you'll enjoy this. If you love modern-day magical realism tales, you'll enjoy this. If you love stories of generations of strong women and family drama, you'll enjoy this.

I love that the story was told from three points of view - Altha in the 1600s, Violet in the 1940s, and Kate in 2019, and how they all intertwined. It's truly a unique story that tackles a lot of tough topics. An incredible read and I highly recommend checking this one out!

Thank you, St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the eARC!
4.5/5 stars

Three women, all related but from different centuries all wind up living at Weyward Cottage during pivotal moments in their lives. In 2019, Kate runs away from her abusive husband and flees to the cottage she recently inherited from her great Aunt Violet, Weyward Cottage. While there, Kate uncovers a secret about the women in her family, one that dates back to 1619, when Altha Weyward was tried for witchcraft.
This was a quick and engaging story that was fun and had you wanting more. All three of the womens’ stories had relatable themes that were not only present during their own times but also still issues faced by women now. When I read stories with different timelines and characters, I tend to like one more than the other. That was not the case here. All 3 Weyward women were wonderfully written and enjoyable. I highly recommend this debut. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC copy!! 4 ⭐️

Thank you to Emilia Hart, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review Weyward in advance of the release.

Weyward is a beautiful story of three strong, unforgettable women and the paths taken in discovery of each of their lives. This debut is incredibly layered and fascinating. You feel enveloped by nature and all its glory. I was thrilled to lose myself in this magical tale, rooting for each of the characters!

3.5 stars

"They cannot make me leave my home. They do not frighten me. After all, I am a Weyward, and wild inside."

-green witch & academia vibes
-magical realism
-"good for her" moments
-white female rage
-I still stand by the fact that if you're on the "how to befriend a crow" side of TikTok, this is for you (just, again, please check trigger warnings)
-heavy nature and wildlife descriptors (beautiful and haunting)

Weyward is a heartbreaking and inspirational story of friendship, motherhood and womanhood set in England. We follow three women spanning five centuries - Altha, Violet, and Kate as they discover the bonds and experiences that tie them, as well as an inner power that they share.

Although this story is described as a "celebration of nature, female power and breaking free" from patriarchal shackles, it was a (unexpectedly) pretty heavy read. It was beautifully written and I loved the alternate povs/accounts that took place in different time periods which came together like a puzzle to be solved - but it was also slow building, upsetting and took some perseverance to finish. I also really wish that there wasn't an epilogue. I feel like it took away from the end of the story for me, personally. (Team Graham, though, loved that sibling bond/friendship).

For fans of: Practical Magic, Secret Garden

Please check trigger warnings as this story heavily contains (but is not limited to): SA, DV, abortion, rape, child abuse, mention of suicide, mental abuse, physical abuse, stalking, gore/blood, bodily harm/violence, murder, forced hysterectomy, gaslighting, medical abuse, death of parent

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I usually don't like multiple narratives or different time periods in the same novel. Most authors cannot pull it off correctly and I end up liking one character over another and skipping half the novel. However, this was not the case with Weyward. Each character had their own distinct voice, and their stories drew me into the novel. I was interested in Kate, Alta and Violet's story. The story was beautifully woven together with each narrative. I enjoyed the witchy elements throughout the novel. This is an amazing book about women overcoming oppression and finding their strength. A must read.

This historical fiction with a dash of magical realism book alternates between the three women and time periods. Usually with books like that I tend to have a favorite timeline, but I really enjoyed all of them and how they were woven together.

The pacing was steady and as each of the women's individual stories came to light, the ties that bind them become clear. You will grieve with and cheer on each of the main characters. All while being frustrated that even over hundreds of years, there are still men who want to steal the power and light from women and just possess them.

Each of these women of the Weyward line, back to the times of witch trials, battle the circumstances and people that try to bring them down. All while coming to terms with who they are, the natural power they possess, and that special safe place, Weyward cottage.

I don't read tons of historical fiction but the short chapters, lovely writing, and strong female characters made for a wonderful read.

Wow! This was one of a kind saga of witches! Weyward is a story of three women, equally unique and gifted, told in the voices of Kate Beck-of year 2019, who has escaped an abusive marriage, Violet Ayres- from year 1942, disowned by her father and Altha Weyward- of year 1619, their great ancestor who was put in trial and accused if witchcraft. What connects these women and how does their story intertwined?

I love the character development of this story. It was carefully crafted, slow burn to perfection. It took me a bit to get captivated but once I reached the point that I can’t get enough and no way I was putting it down. My heart goes to these women, how their stories seem to repeat regardless of how many years have past. The difference of the norms of the society at the time being . It was beautifully written with an even more beautiful ending! Overall, Emilia Hart has created a masterpiece!

I received both the e-file and the audiobook in exchange of my honest review. If you are like me who adores all sort of witch stories, magical realism, historical fiction all packaged in one, Weyward is for you to enjoy! Thank you, St.Martin’s Press via Netgalley and MacMillan Audio through LibroFM for the complimentary copies. The narrators were very pleasant to listen to. I enjoyed it very much!

This was a book that I received from Net Galley and was just sitting on my kindle. I just decided to start it one day and then couldn’t stop. 3 women protagonists, living in different time periods, all bound by blood and the hidden power they share. Altha, 1600s, tried as a witch. Violet, 1942 during WWI, banished to the Weyward cottage, and Kate (2019), escaping an abusive relationship. I had to look up the meaning of the wordvWeyward. Def: difficult to control or predict because of unusual or perverse behavior.

I believe this was the authors debut novel and it didn’t disappoint. I found the book easy to read and the stories easy to follow although it was 3 characters living across 4 centuries. I would describe is as a mixture of historical fiction (witch trials) and magical realism. Enjoyable, easy read, especially if you like strong, female characters.

Thank you so much to Net Galley, the publisher, and author for providing this book for my honest review. First of all, this cover and title are amazing. I was instantly intrigued. This story involves three women in different timelines all coping with various traumas. They are all unique and are considered a bit different from everyone else. They each have a special connection to nature, so this is a great book for anyone who enjoys magical realism, historical fiction, and multiple timelines. Parts of this book were on the slow side, but I ultimately enjoyed each character’s storyline and how it all came together in the end. Thank you again to Net Galley, the publisher, and author for providing this book for my review.

Both a historical fiction mixed with magical realism, this book makes you root for the weird girl. The misunderstood girl. Set in three different time periods (1619, 1940s and 2019), Weyward follows three women as they battle their demons (society) & overcome the judgement and trials put against them. All women have a deep connection to nature and animals. We follow each women as they find themselves and set their own paths in life, never to be concerned with the likes of a man. They embrace the ways of the Weywards.

I found this to be a delightfully entertaining story. There were elements to it that was certainly heavier than I expected, and I struggled through at times. Overall, I enjoyed it. 3.5/5

CW: domestic abuse, rape, neglect, abortion, suicidal thoughts

This book was intriguing in concept, but lacking in execution. The author draws so many parallels between the three Weyward women that it feels repetitive. The pacing also leaves something to be desired, lurching along awkwardly. Altha is a wonderful character, Kate is alright, but I found Violet irritating and troublesome. Fans of Kate Morton are likely to enjoy.

A wonderful story of 3 different generations of Weyward woman, Altha in 1619, Violet in 1942 and Kate in 2019. Each of these women posses an affinity with nature, and its creatures and all have been abused in some way by men.
We mainly follow the story line of Kate in 2019 as she leaves an abusive relationship and goes to a small cottage she had inherited from her great-aunt Violet. Here she finds out the stories of the other women and what they went through to gain their freedom.
Such a wonderfully told story, of the curses and the good these women go through because of their connection to nature. A bit of Witch craft, magical realism, and a great legacy that has been passed down to the Weyward women.
I will definitely keep an eye out for more books by this Author.
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book.

Weyward is a story about three generations of women, the earlier two of which must contend with accusations of whichcraft.

Reminsicent of Louisa Morgan and M.J. Rose’s work, Weyward is a wrenching story of three special women bound togetehr by blood and unique ability over centuries. It’s a familiar story about how women with “magical” abilities were feared and often attacked and murdered, then committed to asylums, then become victims of abuse in the present time.

The three women here - Altha, Violet, and Kate - share a bond with nature unlike any others. Their individual stories are very different but also entwined with the same bigotry and fear that spans centuries. Well-written with relatively short chapters that alternate from woman to woman, Weyward is a quick, captivating read that reveals the indignity and dangers faced by unusual women from the 1600s to the present day.

Weyward was the perfect cozy, witchy, historical fiction novel that I'm always looking for. Hart follows three women bound together by blood, across three different time periods, as they all figure out how to live the way they want to. This is a heartwarming story about family, perseverance, and the power of community, whether that be found in-person or across generations, through writing and storytelling. Hart also writes beautifully of healing from trauma, and of the natural world—it made me yearn for spring, when you can watch the world bloom around you. This novel is a strong yet tender story of female power. Hart writes in the vein of Alice Hoffman, but is more mature in theme and writing, in my opinion. This story is one that will imbue your daily life with magic.

CW: abuse, rape, pregnancy, abortion

While well-written, and in such a way that makes you root for Altha, Violet and Kate, this book is essentially one long trigger warning.

The firstborn will be a female and have an infinity with nature. Althea, whose mother is a healer, brought to trial as a witch in the 1600’s. By the time Violet is born, the magic that has been imbued in these woman has not been taught through the generations. Violet knows that she is different, but until she discovers the secrets in her dead mother’s life, she doesn’t know why. Once Violet learns her power, she will take revenge. Kate runs from a cruel man to the cottage that Aunt Violet has left her. She discovers her affinity with nature and will use it to stay alive. This was well-written, easy to follow and an interesting read. I will be watching for more by this author. I was honored to receive a digital ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. The opinion expressed is my own.

In 1619, Alta was tried for witchcraft and murder. In 1942, 16 year old Violet wanted nothing more than to be able to do things that women weren't allowed. Today, in 2019, 29 year old Kate is escaping her abusive, controlling boyfriend.

As these three perspectives unfold, the connections between these three women become more entwined and their lives are mirrors of each other. On a personal level, I felt a deep connection to these women. As someone who has experienced the type of relationship that Kate is in, I understood her fears and worries. And as someone who was always more of a tomboy growing up, I felt for Violet’s desires to be independent and free.

This is such a heart-breakingly emotional story, while at the same time uplifting and inspirational to all women. Historically, the treatment of women by society has had its dark moments, and still today some of these beliefs are in other ways perpetuated in the shadowy corners of our lives.

Even when hopelessly tragic, it speaks to the truth that we only need to believe in ourselves and what we are capable of. The ferocity of all three of these women encourages readers to confidently navigate our own path in life and create a future that upholds our dreams - regardless of what anyone else thinks about it.

The affinity for nature and all the creatures of the earth is heart-warming and endearing. I love that all these women have reverence and respect for the natural world.

An ode to the power of women, this story illustrates the fear that it has instilled in men throughout history, and maybe even still to this day. The stories of these three women show how we are finally taking our power back and are stronger than ever before, especially when we champion one another.

This story touches on themes that will have you reflecting and contemplating on the world we live in. One such theme that I found particularly intriguing is the advancements in modern medicine. In previous times, there were some seriously crazy treatments and pervasive ideas within the medical community. But at that time, it was considered normal and factual. It begs the question of what more we will learn in a few hundred years and, when they look back on us, what things will they see as ridiculous that we hold as truth? As humans, we just don’t know what we don’t know.

I highly recommend this book! It will truly sweep you away and keep you enraptured within the entire experience. I mean, wow. Unbelievably, because this book is just that good, it is a debut. And I can’t wait to see what this author blesses us with in the future. I’m just blown away by this one and so excited for everyone else to read it too.