A witchy tale that weaves throughout time and history. While I found it a bit slow-paced, the story was compelling and the characters interesting. I also thoroughly appreciated the trigger warnings in the beginning, as this story touches on delicate subject matter that could easily be triggering for some (abuse, etc.).

I stumbled upon Weyward while browsing NetGalley, and I am so pleased that I requested a copy. This was such an enchanting debut!

The novel has three storylines: Altha, a woman on trial for witchcraft in 1619; Violet, a naïve teenager who aspires to be an entomologist in the 1940's; and Kate, a survivor of an abusive relationship in 2019. We soon find that all three of these women are Weywards - strong women who have a *special* connection with nature.

I originally forgot that I had selected that I wouldn't mind receiving audiobooks from NetGalley, so I was a bit surprised when I realized that I had received an audiobook copy. I have only listened to one other short story audiobook, so I was hesitant at first (I am a bit of a luddite - even my Kindle is a bit of an adjustment). However, I absolutely adored this listen! I felt like I was more willing to do chores this past week because it meant that I could listen to Weyward without guilt (since I was being productive AND reading - audiobooks are pretty legit).

I was totally engrossed with this story. I tend to find that when there are multiple storylines, I can't help but to find out what is going on with each character and struggle to put the novel down. Of the three narrators and storylines, Altha's was by far my favorite. I liked hearing about how Altha and her mother used nature to heal others in a time when doing so was deemed dangerous. I needed to know whether or not she was going to be found guilty and I needed to know if she was actually guilty, despite the results of her final conviction.

The storyline and characterization of Kate was perhaps my least favorite part of this novel. I found myself getting a little bored with her story and would sometimes stick out a chapter just knowing that Altha's story would be next. I also wished in general that each of the characters were a bit more developed. I felt like the story was crafted well, but most of the characters' seemed to be a bit too surface-level for my liking.

All in all, I found myself really enjoying this novel and its message. It was frustrating to see how so many men were trying to bring the Weyward women down. I was pleased with the story's outcome. I loved its love of nature. I mean, who doesn't love a good witch book?

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance reading copy!

Three women. Five centuries. One secret.

2019

Kate flees an abusive relationship and goes to Weyward Cottage which she inherited from her eccentric Aunt Violet, an entomologist.

1942

Sixteen-year-old Violet Ayres, years for answers about her deceased mother. The only thing she has of her mother's is a locket. She is viewed as different, yet some would say she is similar to her mother.

1619

Altha Weyward has been accused of witchcraft. She knows about the natural world and will need to call upon what she knows to help herself.

Weyward is a story of three unique women who are connected in many ways. This book looks at how women are viewed, treated and lived at various times in history. Agatha lived in a time where women who were different or did not live by societies standards, were branded witches and put to death. Violet lived in a time where women were strange and different if they yearned for more or wanted to go against the current expectations of women. Kate lived in a time where she was abused by a man who feels he is superior to her.

All the women were strong, all had to deal with the expectations put on females at the time in which they lived, all had men trying to excerpt their power over them.

I listened to the audiobook and thought it was very nicely done. I enjoyed learning about the Weyward women and their many strengths and abilities. The story goes back and forth between them seamlessly. They lived in different times yet had similar experiences. I loved the focus on the strength of these magical women.

I thought the author did a fantastic job setting the stage and transporting readers to each timeline. This book felt atmospheric and historically accurate.

I look forward to reading more of this author in the future.

Beautifully written, captivating and thought provoking.

As someone with a particular penchant for generational storytelling and witch tales, I was pleased to experience this tale as an audiobook. That it added an air of murder mystery, sacred objects and a love for the natural world only added to its richness. The very real subjects of motherhood, domestic violence and what it means to be a father, too, created a foundation that gave resonance to every place and time period. I am always happy to say when I am sad a book ends, and this one was a particularly good one to to have told to you. The audiobook book experience was a luxury!

Yes, I did just choose this book because of the cover. Look at that lush and gorgeous montage of fruits and foliage, creating a background for a silky feathered crow. I had to know what this book was all about!

Altha Weyward is a young woman tried for witchcraft in Cumbria, England, in 1619. She writes her autobiography, and much of Weyward is her first person account. This was fascinating to read and very convincing. Altha came to life for me.

Altha’s descendants in the 20th century have big problems of their own, and they draw strength from knowing Altha’s story. Violet is a teenager in the 1940s enduring an abusive father and cousin. She lives near the ancestral cottage that Altha lived in. Although Violet’s father forbade the household staff from telling Violet anything about her late mother, Lizzie Weyward, Violet figures out that her innate gift of communication with animals and plants is passed on down in all Weyward women.

Kate is Violet’s great-niece. She lives in London in 2019 and escapes from an abusive husband, and moves into the Weyward cottage since Violet has left it to her in her will. Kate learns about Altha and Violet, and is inspired by them both to connect with her inner power and thrive.

The chapters of the book rotate between the three women. Many of their life experiences are similar and it was interesting to read how pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion were handled in three different eras.

Parts of the book moved too slowly for me. There was a lot of repetitive description and I wished the narrative had been edited down by several hundred pages.

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the free advanced audio book in exchange for my truthful review.

I was really intrigued by the premise of this book. Multiple generations of women with secrets that bond them in ways most could never understand. This peculiar line of women starts in 1619 with Altha, who was accused of witchcraft. This novel has strong themes of gender inequalities that have been around since I’m sure the beginning of time. Control and violence are prevalent and there are many trigger warnings. More importantly, this book focuses on the unbreakable spirit and bond of women. There is power in being a woman, sometimes we just need to dig deep and across generations to find it. Despite my high hopes, the book fell flat for me. It took me over 50% of the way in to really become vested in the characters and not bored to death. It did keep me intrigued enough to finish though, which I am glad I did. The second half was much better and really very powerful, but also predictable. The ending didn’t convince me to add another star, but I don’t regret reading it. These are such important topics that still need exploring, but I was hoping for more. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the audio arc in exchange for my honest review!

I'm not totally sure what it was about this book, but something didn't work for me. Different timelines can be hit or miss and while I wouldn't say this was a miss I definitely preferred the current timeline to the others. I think there was some complexity missing here. Too much women are great men are bad. Sometimes the writing felt a bit repetitive.

The narrators of the audiobook were wonderful. It was easy to tell which character was speaking.

This novel is beautifully layered with striking imagery, compelling characters and a little bit of magic. Three women in three different eras tell the story of one family and the secrets that lie within. The three narrators of the audio version lent a distinct voice to each of the three women.

Colleen Chi-Girl
Review of WEYWARD (also posted on Goodreads)
5 STARS

Shelves 2023, ancestry-genealogy, audio, crime-mysteries, england-uk, europe, fairytales-fantasy, feminism, netgalley, read, us-no-amer, women-centered, ww2
Format Audio book
January 12, 2023 – Finished Reading

I was so excited for this audiobook (even though it says I read the "hardcover", on GR, there is no spot to check for an audiobook; if a GR librarian could please add it).


Here's a shout-out to author, Emilia Hart, for this compelling and well-done first novel! Kudos to the 3 narrators: Aysha Kala; Helen Keeley; and Nell Barlow who put me right into the head of each main character, as well as the time period - they were that distinctive. I'd like to thank both Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this fascinating and intelligently written ARC. It was very hard to put it down!

This has 3 timelines, nearly a century apart, and it features the 3 main Weyward women, all from the same ancestry line. (LOVE THAT LAST NAME!) These women have a passion for the natural world and their lives are entwined within the legacies and histories of their like-minded, strong, female ancestors. Each of the 3 women are as interesting as the others. The running theme throughout the lives and times of these women is the permeating emotional and physical abuse by their male counterparts, as well as the male patriarchy in the towns/village who likewise treat their women subserviently.

1619: Altha Weyward, 21 and parentless, is condemned in her small, conservative, religious village for being a witch. She is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. Altha has been trained thankfully by her mother on how to be an herbalist but is warned not to use it to harm others.

1942: As World War II rages, 15 year old daughter Violet is trapped in her family's once-grand and now crumbling estate. Her father is an emotionally abusive man who cares only for his son, Graham, Violet's brother, and his nephew, Frederick/Freddy, fresh from the war. Violet's dead mother it turns out was a Weyward woman and she was sent away by (or escaped from) her brute of a husband for fear of her (healing) powers. Violet too will share in this banishment and desire to live apart from her family.

2019: Kate Ayers, age 29, living in London, flees her physically and emotionally abusive husband and heads for her Aunt Violet's ramshackle Weyward Cottage. She received the cottage as part of her inheritance. This is a strong lineage to be involved in and possibly a joy and burden to be part of its history.

It switched back and forth between time periods and narrators, who were introduced in the beginning of each chapter. It's a little harder on audio to keep track of everyone in their perspective time periods, but having a different voice for each woman in her time period helped greatly. It was hard to give up on one story, while you went back and forth, but all of the 3 were equally compelling and interesting.

I highly recommend this book and again am grateful for the ARC.

NOTE: There are triggers in this novel for those who might be sensitive to physically abusive, including rape and terminating a pregnancy.

This book was intense, honest & deeply connected to today’s time. I feel like a different person finishing this book.

This one has 3 timelines & 3 MC which adds LAYERS of interconnected themes and details. At first glance, very different women but ultimately all face similar situations. At different points in the story, I liked some characters more than others which made parts of the book fly by and others drag a bit.

This book has some trigger warnings that I think all readers need to be extremely mindful of before reading (physical/verbal abuse, parental abuse, rape, pregnancy loss, abortion, jail)

If you enjoyed THE LOST APOTHECARY, I found this book shares similar themes of feminism, family ties, witchcraft.

This was a delightful audiobook.The narrator had a lovely voice and made listening to the book very easy. The storyline was entertaining and the switching between generations very interesting. I would highly recommend this audiobook.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook!

Wayward is the story of three generations of women with an uncanny connection to the natural world. The three women are from 1619, 1942 and 2019. Their stories are intertwined and woven together masterfully. Beautifully written and beautifully preformed! All three stories gripped me right from the beginning. A story about women fighting patriarchy in their own times and persevering with the help of other woman and knowledge passed through generations.

This book was excellent. It’s my first by this author and won’t be my last. I loved the storyline and the setting. I hope this story continues on with a second book.

This was amazing! The story was compelling, the narrator was perfect. I found myself finding time to listen outside of my normal "listening" activities--which is an excellent sign for an audiobook. This tale tells the story of three women connected through bloodline and time as they are all Weyward women. Each character has their own riveting story, but how they are intertwined is the real gem. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Highly recommended.

I loved this audiobook so much. I enjoyed that it was told from the perspective from three different timelines of three different women in the same family. It was fascinating, heartwarming and yet heartbreaking at the same time. It showed how family could hold it together even when spread apart hundreds of years. I loved the touch of magical realism, it was fantastic. And there were real life issues that were thrown in the book that were trigger warning issues that women have been dealing with through Time immemorium. I basically read this book in the space of a day and a half. It was fabulous and I'm going to be telling all my friends about it. Fabulous!

Weyward was everything that I wanted it to be: family, women's fiction, magic, power, and discovery.
I loved this book so much. There is a special way of thinking and feeling that comes to me as a reader when I read stories of empowered, smart, protective women--cis or trans. I come to books like Weyward looking for a chance to feel magical and powerful. I definitely found that here.
I would recommend this book to readersof Once and Future Witches, The Lost Apothecary, Juniper and Thorn, When Women Were Dragons, and The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare.

Pub day: 3-7-2023

This is a bewitchingly beautiful story of the gifted Weyward women. I absolutely loved all three of the women in this book and their respective timelines. There’s a quaint cottage and friendly crows that create an atmospheric backdrop for the truly beguiling experience of reading this story.

From the minute I met the first Weyward woman I was besotted! These are fierce and formidable women who stayed as such even as they encountered unimaginable things and marched headlong into the most difficult of moments.

If you’re looking for an atmospheric read that gives the perfect amount of witchy vibes, add this to your list. You can’t go wrong reading this any time of the year but it would be an absolute perfect one for fall!

Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for this alc in exchange for an honest review.

For fans of Alice Hoffman… this is your next feminist/nature/witchey book! I could not put it down! Beautiful writing connects three Weyward women together spanning time fighting for their own power and discovering their natural magic! Stunning debut!

Weyward by Emilia Hart (audiobook review)
Narrated by Aysha Kala; Helen Keeley; Nell Barlow
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available March 14th

My thoughts:
Although Weyward is women's fiction, there is a strong supernatural element to it. The narrators do an excellent job of bringing the story to life. If you enjoy fantasy, you will enjoy the Weyward audiobook.

Synopsis:
Kate is the victim of domestic abuse by her husband. Having inherited a cottage from her aunt Violet, she escapes to it. The history of the cottage would soon reveal secrets dating back 500 years with three main characters. In the present, Kate is fleeing abuse, in 1619, Altha is accused of witchcraft, and in 1942, Violet battles social pressure in the midst of World War II. The story is an inspiring mixture of history, magic and resilience.

Thank you NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio, for sharing this incredible audiobook with with me.

3.75 stars

This is an exciting debut that fans of women's fiction, historical fiction, and a touch of magic will enjoy.

Three generations of Weyward women - Altha (1619), Violet (1942), and Kate (2019) - and their stories come together in this piece. Each of these characters not only shares lineage but also (as expected) challenging relationships with oppressive men and with what they want from their own lives (versus what is expected and demanded by others.

I really enjoyed the flow of the narrative overall, but transparently, I did have a bit of a tough time following it here and there, and I'm attributing this scenario to listening to the audio version versus reading by sight. The audio is excellent, and I recommend it, but if, like me, a prospective reader at times is more attentive to print versus audio detail, this is something to be aware of when selecting the method of delivery.

It's also important to note that there are some challenging scenes relating to reproductive issues (this is my non-spoilery attempt). Folks who are especially sensitive to descriptions of various stages of un/wanted pregnancies may want to take a beat here. There are also discussions of all other kinds of violence committed against women, so take a moment to read up on CW and TW before pressing play/flipping the page.

Overall, I enjoyed this and will look forward to more from this author.