ABL Review At-A-Glance
Ø Title:
The Witch of Willow Hall
The Witch of Willow Hall
Ø My Rating: 3.75
Ø Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal
Ø Author:
Hester Fox
Hester Fox
Ø Format: ARC ebook*
Ø Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Compare to:
Synopsis
Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there’s still one
witch left in Massachusetts. But she doesn’t even know it.
witch left in Massachusetts. But she doesn’t even know it.
Take this as a warning: if
you are not able or willing to control yourself, it will not only be you who
suffers the consequences but those around you, as well.
you are not able or willing to control yourself, it will not only be you who
suffers the consequences but those around you, as well.
New Oldbury, 1821
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.
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.
All three daughters will be
irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on
a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves.
For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end…
irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on
a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves.
For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end…
My Thoughts…
The Witch of Willow Hall gave me some of the
same feelings as Night Circus and The Winter Witch.
This is a story of discovery as well as a story of family.
same feelings as Night Circus and The Winter Witch.
This is a story of discovery as well as a story of family.
I loved Lydia, but she frustrated me on several
occasions. Without using spoilers,
suffice it to say that Lydia falls into the writing trap of problems only being
problems because people don’t talk to each other. This is a pet peeve of mine. I do not like books whose plots depend on
misunderstandings.
occasions. Without using spoilers,
suffice it to say that Lydia falls into the writing trap of problems only being
problems because people don’t talk to each other. This is a pet peeve of mine. I do not like books whose plots depend on
misunderstandings.
Also, there is a point at which I was literally
yelling at Lydia to not be so stupid. When
you know your sister is an evil hag who has vowed to ruin your life, why, oh,
why would you take her word for anything?
In fact, at this point, I’m thinking you should assume Catherine is
playing a perpetual game of opposite day.
Whatever she says, the opposite is true.
Words to live by.
yelling at Lydia to not be so stupid. When
you know your sister is an evil hag who has vowed to ruin your life, why, oh,
why would you take her word for anything?
In fact, at this point, I’m thinking you should assume Catherine is
playing a perpetual game of opposite day.
Whatever she says, the opposite is true.
Words to live by.
Beyond those things, though, Lydia is a caring
and lovely young lady who is dealing with extraordinary circumstances. Her life is turned upside down by others
decisions and she is trying to lie as well as possible.
and lovely young lady who is dealing with extraordinary circumstances. Her life is turned upside down by others
decisions and she is trying to lie as well as possible.
I wish the plot had developed faster, and this
book could have been edited more, but this is a good paranormal historical
fiction read. I really did enjoy it.
book could have been edited more, but this is a good paranormal historical
fiction read. I really did enjoy it.
* Special thanks to Hester Fox and NetGalley for providing
a copy of The Witch of Willow Hall in exchange for an honest review.
a copy of The Witch of Willow Hall in exchange for an honest review.
to bad it was slow paced and needed editing I loved how this book sounded. Love Witches AND it is set in MA!!!
I know right?!?! This is usually right up my alley. The book wasn't bad at all, I just needed things to move along a little.
Thoughtful review, Amy, and I can definitely understand what worked and didn’t. I hope your next read is one you love!
Thanks! Hopefully my next witchy read will move better. 🙂