I love that witches are getting their day in books lately and this one was one that if I had when I was younger I would have died highlighting every passage.

Grady Hendrix can do vampires aka The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires and now the witches!

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

I loved this one, I still think about the plot and characters weeks after I finished the book. I really liked that the book went into the future at the end so you could see where the girls ended up and how they reconnected with the children they were forced to give up; I really felt for the protagonist and her "charlie brown" baby - but I am so glad there was some form of reunion, it was painful reading being a mother myself, I can't imagine, truly awful that similar circumstances (minus the witchcraft) really have happened. I would have loved to see how the one character turned out who basically took over the "coven" and kept her baby but that would have been my only wish, loved the rest of the story and the characters!!

I’m still deciding how I feel about this one. In some ways I loved how homes for teenage girls and lack of body autonomy and trauma was explored here. On another hand I thought there would be more witchcraft and less naked band of women in the woods. I think this book was good but overall just not quite what I expected.

Exploring the Depths of Teenage Struggles in Grady Hendrix's "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls"** Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" by Grady Hendrix is a captivating tale that unfolds in a home for unwed mothers in Florida. This setting not only establishes a unique historical context but also serves as a powerful metaphor for the societal constraints placed on young women during that era. The novel intricately weaves together themes of friendship, identity, and the search for autonomy, making it a poignant read for anyone who has ever felt ignored or unheard. One of the most striking aspects of Hendrix's writing is his ability to authentically capture the inner workings of teenage girls. Through rich characterization and thoughtful dialogue, he reveals the complexities of their lives—their hopes, fears, and desires. The protagonist, alongside her fellow residents, confronts the challenges of being marginalized by society and grapples with feelings of shame and isolation. Hendrix masterfully portrays the emotional landscape of adolescence, illustrating how these young women navigate their relationships with each other and with the world around them. The home for unwed mothers serves as both a refuge and a prison for the characters. It is a place where they find solace in their shared experiences, yet it is also a reminder of the societal judgment they face. As they explore their identities and forge bonds with one another, the girls engage in imaginative acts of rebellion, utilizing the power of witchcraft as a means of claiming their agency. This element of the story is not just a fantastical escape; it symbolizes their desire to take control of their lives in a world that often seeks to define them. Hendrix's ability to evoke empathy in his readers is another reason why "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" resonates deeply. Anyone who has felt dismissed or overlooked will find solace in the characters' struggles. The book transcends its historical setting, speaking to the universal themes of seeking validation and the need for connection. In a world that frequently marginalizes young women, Hendrix's portrayal of their resilience and strength is both uplifting and empowering. In conclusion, "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" is an exceptional exploration of the trials faced by teenage girls in the 1960s, brought to life through Grady Hendrix's insightful and evocative writing. His ability to articulate the complexities of adolescence, coupled with the historical context of the narrative, creates a rich tapestry that reflects the ongoing challenges of young women today. This book is not merely a story of witchcraft and rebellion; it is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of being heard and understood. For anyone who has ever felt like their voice was lost in the noise, this novel is a powerful testament to the strength of sisterhood and the courage to stand up against societal norms. I highly recommend it to those seeking both entertainment and a deeper understanding of the teenage experience.

I usually LOVE Grady Hendrix but I could not get into this book and wasn’t looking forward to picking it up. It got about 20% of the way through before I decided not to finish it. It had a very slow start and I was just not connecting to the characters. I will continue to look out for more Grady Hendrix books in the future though.

3.5⭐️ this was a fun read, not my favorite Grady Hendrix book.

This was the perfect read for spooky season, the mix between spooky and gruesome. I was however not expecting the detailed birth scenes.

Miss Wellwood, the creepy doctor and the social worker were all questionable characters to say the least. This book captures the 1970 aesthetic perfectly. The magic and the secrets of Wellwood House’s dark history were captivating. I loved the found family aspect, I honestly preferred Rose over our main character Fern.

My heart truly broke for this characters, and while I think this book will be well loved it was not for me. I had to keep reminding myself that this was fiction, because some of the scenes were graphic and told in great detail. Grady definitely did well with making you feel for all these girls, and the horrible situation these girls were placed in.

Thank you so much to Berkley publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.

*Witchcraft for Wayward Girls* is an emotional, slow-burn journey that intertwines young adult fiction with horror and supernatural elements, though it takes a more serious and hauntingly realistic approach than Grady Hendrix’s previous works. Set in 1970s America amid the tense political atmosphere of the Vietnam War and social upheaval, the story follows four young mothers—Fern, Holly, Rose, and Zinnia—each abandoned by their families and society. Through vivid, empathetic storytelling, Hendrix explores their struggles with motherhood, societal expectations, and personal identity.

What truly stands out in this novel is the portrayal of the girls’ experiences with birth and the trauma of forced separation. The realistic and raw depictions of childbirth create some of the most intense and haunting moments in the story, tapping into primal fears and shared experiences. Hendrix’s ability to make readers feel the girls’ isolation, pain, and bravery is remarkable, giving voice to those who were historically silenced. The witchcraft element adds a layer of suspense and eerie charm, though it’s less central than one might expect from a horror novel, focusing more on the psychological horror of these girls’ realities.

Though the pacing may feel slow at first, especially with a gradual build-up into the plot, this slowness allows readers to connect deeply with the characters. By the time the story reaches its conclusion, it feels almost bittersweet to part from them. There’s a coziness amidst the horror—Hendrix invites us into the world of these resilient girls, making it hard to let go.

The book’s final impact is profound, making readers appreciate the freedom and autonomy that so many fought for. *Witchcraft for Wayward Girls* is a stirring, thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the last page, blending historical resonance with a compassionate, chilling tale of young women overcoming their darkest fears. Perfect for fans of Hendrix’s writing who appreciate stories that go beyond scares to tell a powerful, enduring story.

This book is wild ride that may be triggering for some readers. It starts out rather slow and the number of characters in the beginning is almost overwhelming, but when the story takes off it is typical Hendrix, horrifying and cheeky at the same time. I definitely enjoyed this book more than How to Sell a Haunted House.

I requested an ARC without even reading the blurb because I enjoy the author’s work and for a while I thought I had maybe somehow downloaded the wrong file because you get a good way into the book before anything witchy happens. I would be really curious to know the author came to this story because it feels unexpected from a male author but I appreciate the authenticity of the friendship and love of the girls.

Grady really went for the throat with this one. I've said multiple times that every Grady Hendrix I've read has given me at least 1 moment that makes me want to crawl out of my skin...this was full of them. The setting and the emotions were really driven home. I could feel the oppressive air of a humid summer, hear the buzz of flies and cicadas, and really feel the deep loneliness the girls lived in. Of course, I also was reading through squinted eyes with a turned head as some scenes were described in typical fashion of Grady Hendrix. Great read overall, can't wait to add it to my shelf!

Thank you to Penguin, Grady Hendrix, and Netgalley for my ARC copy

Grady Hendrix truly can do no wrong but this one was - wow. I could not put it down once I started. Haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished!!!!

Grady Hendrix books are always so interesting to jump into. I never really know where they'll take me and how I'll feel in the end. While horror is not a genre I typically read in, I love Grady's writing style and loved this book so much. It was so interesting and fascinating to read. The characters were so well flushed out that I felt such a connection to them as I was reading and was really feeling for them throughout the book!

Another Grady book I will definitely be putting on my shelf!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

I really liked this book. The writing was strong and had just the right amount of detail for me. I was initially afraid of any fantasy elements, but everything was well-managed and felt real.

The story grabbed my attention, especially because the characters faced significant tragedies in their lives. I found myself wanting them to find freedom and a better future.

The descriptions were well done, and while they may not appeal to everyone, I appreciated the way they brought the story to life. This was a compelling read that kept me engaged throughout.

4.5 rounded down
I’m always hesitant to read books about women/girlhood written by men but I’ve loved Hendrix’s previous works and hoped he’d handle this one with sensitivity and he absolutely did.
I definitely need to do a reread and annotation once this book is published and I can get my hands on a physical copy because there were so many important themes and messages. There were aspects that perplexed me but overall, I think Hendrix did a fantastic job capturing what it looked like to be an unwed teen mother to be in a time and under legislation that made you out to be a pariah, while also combining that with the views society has historically had of women who wished to live outside of the accepted norms. I appreciated the overall message of “whoever is trying to tell you how to be free is either selling you something or taking advantage of you” because so often the “solution” to a MFC’s problems come with their own set of rules and stipulations. The one thing I take away from this is Hendrix’s insistence that women of any age or race must be able to control how they make decisions about their bodies and their futures, regardless of what the situation or choice may be.

This was good. I enjoyed the story. The writing was good. But I specifically started reading it because I wanted a spooky read. It wasn't even a little bit scary! How disappointing.

As a librarian, I really enjoyed this new horror from Hendrix! An interesting mix of horror and cozy with Hendrix's signature wit and unique storytelling!

Wow. This was a wonderfully written book. I savoured every word of it. I think everybody should read this book. The details about the lives of the girls living in The Home was incredibly well researched and written about. The overall tone of the book was equal parts compassionate and eerie. I loved this book and look forward to reading more books written by Grady Hendrix in the future.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix is a spellbinding journey that masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. Hendrix has crafted a story full of atmospheric tension and unforgettable characters, and his unique take on witchcraft is both haunting and heartwarming.

I loved all of the girls at the Wellwood House, especially Fern, Holly, and Rose. Their journey of self-discovery is woven seamlessly with dark magic and friendship, creating a story that’s as emotionally resonant as it is chilling. The storyline was raw and emotional, and the atmospheric details made me feel like I was right there in the story. Hendrix’s wit and creativity shine through on every page, making this book impossible to put down.

If you’re looking for a perfect mix of horror and heart, this is it. Highly recommended for fans of horror, witchcraft, and anyone who loves a well-told story. Absolutely enchanting! All the stars!

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Grady Hendrix does it again! Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a haunting, powerful story set in 1970 at the Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida—a place where "wayward" girls, abandoned and vulnerable, are hidden from society to bear children they’re forced to give up. Hendrix masterfully captures the voices of teenage girls, each one layered and memorable. Fern, the fifteen-year-old protagonist, finds herself at the mercy of adults who claim they know what’s best for her, until a sympathetic librarian introduces her to an occult book that changes everything. For the first time, the girls have power—but it comes with a dark price.

Hendrix’s storytelling shines, with a gripping plot, characters that stay with you, and a payoff that truly delivers. His portrayal of the girls and their struggles is so authentic, and his knack for building atmosphere pulls you into the story. It’s a spellbinding read that left me both unsettled and deeply satisfied. Five stars all the way!

Dear Author,

I loved everything about this book! All of your multifaceted wayward women were a joy to spend time with. What they went through was horrific from start to end, but together they may just make it. Thank you for yet another great horror novel. This is my third book of yours I've read this year and I want more!

Sincerely Yours,
J.D. McCoughtry

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the privilege of reading this e-arc.