Cover Image: The Witch of Tin Mountain

The Witch of Tin Mountain

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Member Reviews

I am a little late reviewing this book as I read this last year. A great read. Atmospheric, magical and mysterious. All the things I love. especially with an historical setting. the book takes us through different life obstacles and illuminates problems women of the world often came/come across. Devoured

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I felt this book wanted to be too much. So many ideas crammed into one story. One of these would have been enough.

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Well-written and atmospheric, but unfortunately didn't engage me enough to keep reading. DNF'd at 20%.

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I was pulled into the story immediately and couldn't put it down. Very well written and fantastic story line. It takes a min to understand the timelines but when it finally kicks it gets even better.
I loved reading about the three generations of women and their journey through tragedy, magic and love.

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The Witch of Tin Mountain is a hauntingly beautiful tale about dark witchcraft and dangerous folklore. A historical gothic fiction that comes alive with atmosphere and a touch of the supernatural.

The most interesting part of this story were the multiple Povs and timelines - one of Gracelynn in 1931 told in first person, the other of Deidre in 1881 told in third person and of Annaliese in 1831. I really loved how this concept of multiple timelines worked wonders for the storytelling and gracefully blended together at a certain point in the story.

Gracelynn and Deidre are strong women who are relied on by the community until a handsome, revivalist preacher comes to town and turns the townspeople against them. They must now fight to survive and restore their reputation.

The essence of the story lies in the generational folklore and family love. It is not surprising that mob mentality lives on and women who are different are easily feared. With richly drawn characters and beautiful Ozark mountain setting, I was completely immersed in the book. Read this if you like witchy books, strong female protagonists, lgbtq rep and generational stories.

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I love a good witchy book, especially a female focused one like this. I did get a bit confused during it and had to keep looking back to keep my characters and timelines straight.

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This was everything I love in a historical witchy gothic novel. The story unfolds over two points of view - one in 1881 and the other 1931. I did have to pay attention to whose chapter I was reading as the two points of view and main characters were quite similar, however this is part of the plot of the women and it's clear at the end why it was told like this.
The novel also focuses on same sex relationships during each time period and weaves in superstitions, folklore and healing magic as the plot of the charming preacher who bewitches the village unfolds.
This novel packs a lot into it, it was very emotive and the lives of the two main women were full of love, hardship, love and grief.

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The Witch of Tin Mountain is a completely immersive, atmospheric, and unputdownable story that will transport you pull you back in time to the historical Ozarks and linger with you long after the last page.

I absolutely could not put this book down. It kept me turning pages late into the night, as I had to find out what would happen next.

The authentic voice of the characters and vivid setting is transportive. Reading this book felt like stepping into the past, and in many ways, reminded me so much of my own youth growing up in the south. The details that Kennedy weaves into the narrative bring all your sense alive in a way I’ve rarely seen done. The characters too are all well-rounded and developed in a way that makes each one feel authentic and real.

I enjoyed the weaving of the two narratives across different time periods, as well as the journal entries from even further in the past. It was great for seeing the parallels between the journeys of Gracie and Deirdre, as well as clearly showing how events in the past directly resulted in some of the events of situations of the book’s present.

The witchy and paranormal elements of the story are delightful, but don’t dominate the narrative or take away from the very human struggles faced by all the characters and people who lived at these times.

The Witch of Tin Mountain filled me with emotions including wonder, sorrow, nostalgia, heartache, and hope, but left me with tearful joy at the persistence and strength of women and the bonds of family that go far beyond blood.

I would absolutely recommend this book.

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This was such a great surprise for me! The genre of Gothic doesn't normally appeal to me but there was something about this book that I couldn't get out of my mind long after I finished it. The Witch of Tin Mountain is a wonderful story about loss and love and finding yourself and your family. It triumphantly showcases the fight between good and evil, and what those entities may look like. TWOTM would also be a great read around the spooky season of autumn. Please, do yourselves a favor and read this book!

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"The Witch of Tin Mountain" by Paulette Kennedy is a captivating and atmospheric tale that weaves together bloodlines, power, and the echoes of a sinister past. Set in the Ozark Mountains, the novel takes readers on a journey through generations of women bound by both their family ties and a looming evil that has persisted over time.

The year is 1931, and the main protagonist, Gracelynn Doherty, lives a tranquil life on Tin Mountain with her adoptive granny, practicing age-old cures for those who seek their help. Despite whispers of witchcraft surrounding the women, the locals rely on their remedies. However, the arrival of evangelist Josiah Bellflower triggers a shift in the town's dynamics. Promising miracles and prosperity, Josiah's presence brings fear and danger to Tin Mountain. Unbeknownst to many, Granny holds a dark secret from the past involving Josiah—one that threatens to resurface.

The novel is rich with tension and suspense, as past and present collide in the lives of the characters. The author's portrayal of the Ozark Mountains and the superstitious atmosphere adds depth to the story, immersing readers in a world where ancient traditions and modern influences clash.

The complexity of the characters enhances the narrative. Gracelynn's internal struggle between loyalty to her family and the need to confront the evil that threatens them creates a relatable and engaging focal point. The depth of Granny's history and the enigmatic presence of Josiah Bellflower build layers of intrigue, keeping readers invested in the unfolding mystery.

The themes of legacy, revenge, and the impact of choices resonate throughout the novel. The curse that plagues the countryside and the sinister promise made decades earlier highlight the consequences of past actions, while the choices Gracelynn faces underscore the importance of confronting one's fears and embracing her own power.

The book's blend of historical fiction, suspense, and supernatural elements makes for an enthralling read. However, readers should be aware that the novel delves into dark themes and moments of tension, creating an atmospheric and eerie ambiance.

In "The Witch of Tin Mountain," Paulette Kennedy skillfully crafts a tale of generational connections, the weight of history, and the struggle against malevolent forces. With its richly developed characters, evocative setting, and compelling storyline, the novel invites readers to explore the bonds that tie families together and the strength that emerges from confronting the past.

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A chilling tale of love and loss that stands the test of time. Paullette Kennedy spins a sweeping tale that combines history, the occult and the love that binds family. Equal parts dark and chilling and hopeful. If you love a witchy tale and a bit of history, this will not disappoint.

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I absolutely loved this book, I was captivated, and completely invested in the characters from the first page. I didn't put it down and I devoured it. The characters were so well developed and the writing drew you in, and kept you turning each page. I found the style of writing atmospheric and well paced. I would read more from this author, I would purchase books from this author and am grateful for the opportunity to have read this before it was offered for sale.

Thank you.

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A fascinating, lush and emotional story about family, magic and what lengths some will go to for power.

Told in dual POV, this story is told to us mainly through the eyes of two women - Gracelynn in 1931 and Deirdre in the 1880’s - two women from the same lineage to which people from the village go to for cures and assistance. Though there are rumblings that these women are witches, the townsfolk don’t seem to mind until a zealous Preacher comes to town.

This story is an unsettling, atmospheric, powerful story about family, love, loss, grief and power. It is a love letter to strong yet flawed women, to family and to love itself. The writing style was perfect for this story, making the different POVs distinct, painting a vivid backdrop for the story that you could easily picture in your mind, and bringing the characters to life with mannerisms and ways of speaking that made them feel real, individual, complex and flawed. The pacing was on point, the story unraveling in perfect time so that there is never a dull moment.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and am a bit sad that it is over already! I definitely recommend this book.

Read if you like:
✨ Witches
✨ Folklore
✨ Female centred historical fiction
✨ Creepy stories
✨ Exploration of faith and belief
✨ Magical Realism

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I didn't know what to expect from this book, but I was more than pleasantly surprised. The two timelines were easy to understand, and I was captivated the entire time.

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I was reading this book at the same time as The Witching Hour by Anne Rice and I found a lot of similarities between them. A family of witches, with talents being passed from generation to generation. Misunderstanding and condemnation by the surrounding community. A powerful opposing force that also follows the family from one generation to the next. This story could have been about the mountain hillbilly cousins of the Mayfair witches, and I mean that in the best possible way. I think it was possibly an inspired-by or influenced-by situation. I was riveted and fascinated by this family and the challenges that they faced. I couldn't get through this book fast enough. I liked everything about this book - the backwoods mountain setting, the characters, and the skillful plotting. There were moments when I gasped out loud at reveals I never saw coming. If you enjoy reading about witches the way that they're portrayed by Anne Rice, I think you'll also enjoy this book by Paulette Kennedy. Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Anything witchy in a book and I am all over it! This was a very emotive read and I couldn’t put it down.

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Southern gothic suspense with witches? I was all in.

About the book: “In Depression-era Arkansas, something wicked has come to a haunted mountain town in a novel of uncanny suspense by the author of Parting the Veil.”

Gracelynn and her adoptive granny live quietly creating sought after cures on Tin Mountain. While the community rumors the women are witches, an evangelist named Josiah enters the area with his own type of healing. Granny and Josiah know each other from years prior where they reached an agreement that is coming to fruition now.

Granny becomes sick, and everything has changed in the area surrounding Tin Mountain. Gracelynn has to decide if she’s going to stay or go.

The Witch of Tin Mountain is a well-written, wholly engaging story full of atmosphere with characters I loved or loved to hate. The Ozarks provided a beautiful and ominous setting with intertwined folklore. While it has a bit of a slower start to build the captivating gothic atmosphere, the story jumps off the pages.

I truly loved this and can’t wait to read more by the author.

I received a gifted copy.

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It’s 1931 in Arkansas, and Gracelynn lives on Tin Mountain, helping her granny with herbal cures for the nearby town. There are whispers that the women are witches, but as they’re helpful and don’t cause trouble, they’re generally left alone. But an evangelist comes to town and begins to stir up trouble. Granny recognizes the evangelist from her past, someone she hoped she’d never see again. As tensions rise, Gracelynn realizes that it’s up to her to save her family or flee the new dangers that plague the land.

This story is told from dual POVs – Deidre in the 1880s, and Gracelynn in 1931. While I generally enjoy dual POVs, this one didn’t work for me. The two protagonists’ characterizations were quite similar, which made them feel like they lacked unique voices. This made it difficult to feel an emotional connection to either character – they were written well enough to not detract from the work, but not well enough for me to become invested in either of them. Added to this, the events in their timeline were almost completely parallel. This led to confusion in keeping the two timelines separate as well as a sense of boredom and repetition as neither story felt unique. I did enjoy that the women in the story were flawed. This wasn’t a case of all-women-are-perfect feminism, but rather a realistic look at realistically flawed people who learned from their errors.

Another issue I had with this story was that it was so on-the-nose. The symbolism and metaphors were so blatantly obvious that it detracted from the message and impact the read could have had. Similarly, it felt that the author tried to throw in too many social issues, which left none of them feeling adequately explored or impactful. The setting also never came alive for me. Based on the cover and the description, I expected to be completely immersed in the setting with a small-town mountain feel and the added atmosphere of the supernatural elements. But it never felt immersive or alive. This could partially be due to the fact that I couldn’t find a connection to the characters, which then leaked into the rest of the book for me.

I wanted to love this one, and many other reviewers did, but I had too many issues with it to enjoy it. If you enjoy historical fiction with supernatural elements, you might enjoy this read. My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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I enjoyed how this author describes things and the atmosphere they created. While this story has a commonly used theme, it is told in a way that doesn't feel repetitive and holds your interest. This book is told from the POV of two people in two separate time periods. While I enjoy a book that has more than one POV, I prefer for it to be at the same time. When it's more than one time period, it can get kind of hard to follow. I did enjoy how this story used real-life folk tales and supernatural legends.

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The Witch of Tin Mountain is a depression era novel that focuses on three generations of women in the Arkansas mountains. The women are healers/green witches working with herbs and native plants. The story is told in dual timelines and explores the supersitions and folk wisdom of the Ozarks. There is also LBGTQ representation.

The book is strong overall, although there are some character similarities that make things a little convoluted. One of the characters, traveling revivalist Josiah, is portrayed as an unnatural presence. A focus of the story is the struggle women had to find and hold onto their own power, and the way that power impacted the views of those around them. I believe a powerful woman has alway been perceived as threatening to the status quo, and this book demonstrates some of that struggle.

I recommend to those interested in the historical lore of the Ozarks and those seeking a touch of magic or LGBTP representation.

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