Name: azliana aziz's review of The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox
Item: The Witch of Willow Hall
Rating: 4
Author: azliana aziz

Hester Fox

Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there's still one 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. 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. 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...

The Witch of Willow Hall

David William Cayden

azliana aziz

i really really wish it had more unleashed witchy stuffs like man i would kill for the story of lydia as an apprentice for her great great grandma. the promise of it from the title alone i expected it to be at least 70% about witch(es) alas it is standard gothic creepy but i enjoyed it for how it was well written and very suitably atmospheric.

The Witch of Willow Hall is a study of what happens to the Montrose family when they flee Boston for their new country home once a scandal breaks and rumors go flying. Truly, that's about it. It feels mundane and slightly dull and drab, focusing too much on the everyday lives of the three Montrose sisters, Lydia especially, as it is told from her POV. I am a sucker for first person POVs though, and thought it was written well. 

It's too bad I got my hands on this book just after Halloween and spooky season ended, because it's a good fit. I did like the supernatural and ghostly elements. I thought they were well written and appropriately spooky, but was expecting a little more to be included. 

This book just felt too slow with virtually no plot. And why did the scandal have to involve incest?! The author could have chosen any number of scandals that would have been just as shocking and scandalous but much less gross. I just don't see what purpose the incest served, because it did not happen to Lydia, her brother is absent from the book, and, again, the same ends could have been achieved a different way. If the author was trying to go for a Fall of the House of Usher vibe, she didn't quite achieve it. 

The romance (non incestual) between Lydia and Mr. Barrett was nice, but everything just felt low stakes. Nothing felt urgent or pulse-pounding regarding the plot. And everything was tied up nicely at the end (no complaints here, it's just that it was predictable). This book is also well researched. I was just expecting more, to be blown away, but the plot and witchiness didn't quite live up to my expectations. Overall, I'm glad I read this book and will probably consider reading another of the author's books in the future.

Amanda

The Witch of Willow Hall is a study of what happens to the Montrose family when they flee Boston for their new country home once a scandal breaks and rumors go flying. Truly, that's about it. It feels mundane and slightly dull and drab, focusing too much on the everyday lives of the three Montrose sisters, Lydia especially, as it is told from her POV. I am a sucker for first person POVs though, and thought it was written well. 

It's too bad I got my hands on this book just after Halloween and spooky season ended, because it's a good fit. I did like the supernatural and ghostly elements. I thought they were well written and appropriately spooky, but was expecting a little more to be included. 

This book just felt too slow with virtually no plot. And why did the scandal have to involve incest?! The author could have chosen any number of scandals that would have been just as shocking and scandalous but much less gross. I just don't see what purpose the incest served, because it did not happen to Lydia, her brother is absent from the book, and, again, the same ends could have been achieved a different way. If the author was trying to go for a Fall of the House of Usher vibe, she didn't quite achieve it. 

The romance (non incestual) between Lydia and Mr. Barrett was nice, but everything just felt low stakes. Nothing felt urgent or pulse-pounding regarding the plot. And everything was tied up nicely at the end (no complaints here, it's just that it was predictable). This book is also well researched. I was just expecting more, to be blown away, but the plot and witchiness didn't quite live up to my expectations. Overall, I'm glad I read this book and will probably consider reading another of the author's books in the future.

Allie Zurcher

‘This debut recalls Georgette Heyer, with extra spookiness’ The Times ‘Beautifully written... The Witch of Willow Hall will cast a spell over every reader’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me

The Witch Of Willow Hall

Colleen

3.5 Stars
 
The Witch of Willow Hall is an atmospheric Historical Fantasy about a witch who doesn’t know she’s a witch. Set in 1821, the story opens with eighteen-year-old Lydia Montrose and her family fleeing Boston due to a family scandal. They settle in the small, remote town of New Oldbury, Massachusetts. But there is something sinister lurking about their new home, and it awakens a deep power within Lydia.
 
The book was different from what I was expecting. Don’t pick this up expecting spells, wands, and flashy magic. Yes, this is still a Fantasy story, and there is magic. But it’s a more elemental power. And when the synopsis says that Lydia has no idea that she is a witch, they aren’t kidding. She’s clueless.
 
Surprisingly, this was much more like a traditional Gothic Horror than your run-of-the-mill witch story. The focus is on the atmospheric tension with a lot of ansty romance. The story is more about the paranormal hauntings than the magic itself. I still liked the Gothic Horror elements although the level of angst was too heavy at times.
 
The book is written in first person, present tense – never a favorite of mine, but it didn’t bother me too much. But there were times when being stuck in Lydia’s head was extremely frustrating. If anyone dislikes this book, I’d predict it is either because it’s low on magic or because they got annoyed with the main character. She is an insecure, love-struck heroine and self-appointed martyr. You know, the love-starved kind that moons over the slightest attention and practically hyperventilates when her crush’s sleeve brushes hers (yes, really). She also takes the head-in-the-sand approach to the paranormal and magic aspects of the story. Without going into spoilers, just know that it takes Lydia a stupid amount of time to accept what was going on. She is deliberately naive, and I absolutely wanted to knock some sense into her on more than one occasion! Despite that and the level of angst, I did feel invested in the love part of the storyline.
 
At the beginning of the story, there were many oblique references past events that have not been explained yet. Things are pretty easy to figure out, but the plot was still engaging. The angsty romance was offset by darker subject matter that kept it from being a fluffy romance. I also strongly sympathized with the oppression of women’s limited options of the time. Women had so few options and often had little to no say in the direction of their lives. I think the time and place of the setting were well woven into the story.
 
The ending felt a bit anticlimactic. It was satisfying, but I think part of the disconnect was that the reader knows what’s going on long before Lydia. Nevertheless, this was an intriguing debut that took a well-worn subject and put a new twist on it. I’ll keep an eye out for the author’s next work.


RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 4 Stars

Lacy W

A special thank you goes out to Netgalley and Harlequin for allowing me to read this eARC early. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

tw: incest, unwanted contact 

This book wasn't what I thought it was going to be, which is both good and bad. I did enjoy this book though. I don't normally go for historical fiction in America. About the only thing I am interested in American history is their involvement in World War II and the Salem Witch Trials. I don't know why I don't like American history. 

Okay, I will start with the negatives, which are only two. One was that I couldn't get a feel for Lydia's personality. She was strong and brave but meek. I just couldn't get into Lydia. I liked her as a person though. I appreciated her dedication to her siblings, especially her littlest sister. I am a sucker for strong older sibling dedication, as I see myself in those characters. 

My other complaint is the ending. I'm not going to spoil it but it wasn't what I expected. The way the book was leading, I thought it was going to be darker. The Salem Witch Trials was a very dark time in American history so it felt odd to have a lighter ending. I mean, don't get me wrong, happy endings for things like this are awesome. But the way the book was going, I just expected something different. I don't know why it bugs me so much but it does. 

Speaking of the way this book was written, I liked it. I loved the description of Willow Hall and the areas surrounding it. It was spooky and creepy and just perfect for Halloween. I wanted to visit Willow Hall myself, although that wouldn't be the best idea. Willow Hall just reminded me of a lot of old places we have here in Iowa. I just really want to go ghost hunting, apparently. 

I am not going to spend a lot of time on this particular point but as a review I do need to point this. There is a heavy plot line involving incest. It's slightly descriptive. My stomach can handle things like that but I know it might not be agreeable with everybody so just a heads up.

Overall, this was a great book, even with my minor complaints and the plot line of incest. It was just what I needed to beat this reading slump I could feel myself getting in to. When this releases, I’d highly recommend picking it up.

Sepia

This is my 50th read. I've achieved my goal!

** spoiler alert **
           4.5 Creepy Fall Read, entertaining and scandalous. I have to admit I was expecting a little bit more witchy magic. I loved the storyline and the characters... and then there were some characters that I just despised because that's what a good story does to you lol. I recommend this one. It was a great halloween eve read. Starts off slow but wraps up beautifully!

Jana Jenkinns 

Full review will be up on my blog in the next couple of days. Huge thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review. Honestly - I LOVED this book. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, but I was so invested in the characters and the story. The witchcraft elements were extremely subtle, but, they were there and I can't begin to explain how much I adored reading this. 

I wonder if there will be a sequel....

Sheila

3.5 stars. This was Gothic and romantic, full of delicious yearning and witchy goodness. It's absolutely fluff, but I liked the protagonist Lydia a lot. I really really wish there wasn't that absurd incest subplot in this book because I hate reading it, but it resolved itself. Loved the atmospheric writing, and I always appreciate a creepy New England setting for a witch book.

Maribel González

No tengo palabras... Este libro es una novela romántica, bastante pobre, escondida bajo un titulo prometedor. Está lleno de clichés, lo que debería llamar la atención pasa totalmente desapercibido, muchas cosas están metidas con calzador. Y la protagonista... no hace otra cosa que desmerecerse frente a otro de los personajes, lamentarse y babear sobre el personaje masculino principal. 
Una tremenda decepción.

Kayla 

The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox was a bit spookier than I was expecting. It had some ghosts and a mysterious manor. I enjoyed the social commentary on witches that was weaved throughout the story.

"A creepy estate, juicy scandal, family secrets, ghosts and a handsome yet mysterious suitor make this a satisfying and quietly foreboding tale."—BookPage Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there’s still one 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. 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. 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…

Nicole Lucy O'Loughlin

I really enjoyed this! It took me by surprise because I will be honest I went in with low expectations but this book really grabbed me. I did NOT predict the plot twists, I found myself genuinely despising Cyrus and Catherine and I really grew to love Lydia. Excellent book!

Nickie Mohler

This is a great book to get you in the mood for Halloween. 

Because of a scandal, Lydia, her two sisters, and her parents have to leave their city lives behind and move to the country. 

The house is nice, the area is beautiful, but something just isn't right. Lydia starts hearing voices, seeing people that aren't there, and has a feeling of unease. 

Maybe there's a reason it was empty for so long before they moved here.

I enjoyed this book. It had the creepy vibe that I look for this time of year.
I received a copy from Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Renee Delcourt

Oh how wonderful this book was. I loved it so much. This was a book that was suggested to me via Goodreads and I am so glad I bought it because it was exactly my kind of book. The right amount of magic, romance, scandal, and ghosts. I throughly enjoyed the New England back drop and the historical significance. I think the cast of characters are so relatable and you can find a bit of yourself in each one. Lydia is the kind of heroine that I have always loved the most. The kind with a gentle sort of strength that loves with her whole being and protects what matters most to her. I can't recommend this book more to someone who loves tales of love and magic.

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. 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, a remnant of a dark history that calls 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...

Giulia 

I loved the setting, the characters and the plot. I have never read a novel like this that combined ghosts, romance, family drama in quite this way. 

Kymberly L McNabb

For fans of Jane Eyre, Flowers in the Attic, and Pride and Prejudice!

Sydniee

** spoiler alert **
           I understand why Hester titled this book, The Witch of Willow Hall but, it should of been titled the Haunting of Willow Hall. I liked Lydia and loved Lydia and Emmelines relationship but, there was so much more potential for that plot line to turn into a whole other story. I don't think there was a point for even writing Cyrud into the story after the intial introduction of just the backgroubd story. There was numerous back ground stories that I felt were separated from the main plot, I think they could have been written more in depth and the book would have been amazing. This all being said this book did grip me Lydia left for Boston again. Although, I was interested in know what would happen to her and Barrett I just didnt really care at that point. The ending was a disappointment to me. There could've been so much more to happen. But the little girl in me loved the fairy tale happy ending, even if the reader in me didnt.

Heather Harrington

**I was provided a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Holy cow did I love this book! I was initially drawn in just by the tagline, and I'm happy to say that this book is more than just that. After a scandal forces Lydia Montrose and her family to flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall, she notices strange occurrences cropping up in the seemingly charming estate. Lydia feels a growing sense of terror and unease in her new home, which only worsens after the death of her younger sister. After one such encounter with the supernatural, Lydia discovers there is a power within her that she must learn to harness if she wants to protect herself and her loved ones. I can't say enough how much I loved this book. It was beautifully written (so hard to believe this was Fox's first novel!) and the witchy-ness wasn't too overpowering and in your face. It was subtle and allowed for the story to become so much more. I cannot recommend this one enough.

Southern Today Gone Tomorrow

Written by Hester Fox, this novel follows Lydia Montrose, the middle daughter of a wealthy family that has fled Boston on the heels of a devastating rumor about there family involving the eldest son whom we never meet.

Now. Where to begin. I was enthralled with this novel. Sometimes, okay often, when you read a lot of novels you do get into a slump, especially when you are trying to read as many new novels as possible. Willow Hall broke my slump.

Set in the 1800’s upper class, this novel does have a very British feel to it, with an American twist. The characters here all have depth and you do understand them, even if it takes some time.

The most interesting thing about this novel is that I didn’t see everything happening from the beginning. Oh, I could predict a bit (hello love interest – and yes. I did put a GIF in here just for that), but I didn’t see how everything would twine together. 


Another great thing with this book, and the reason I will be recommending it to one of my book clubs, is the fact that there is no time jumping. The backstory you learn from juxtaposition or from learning rumors in town. Okay, I made that sound a bit too much like a video game, but the characters interact with one another and that is how you learn the history.

AND THE WRITING, oh, so refreshing. It just flows. I did have an ARC, so there were a few minor mistakes, but it was just so well written. There were no accents to make things confusing, they didn’t dwell too much on the surroundings except where they used it to lend to what you should have been feeling.

There were happy moments, devastating moments, misunderstandings, and just a hint of magic. If you enjoy sweet love stories, mysteries, historical fiction with a touch of fantasy, I think you will love this novel. And, honestly, I think everyone should give it a shot. The author just did such a good job.

Jana Pashovska

A very interesting story about a witch, her family, her powers and her struggle to accept herself. I quite enjoyed it, although it was not quite as dark and 'witchy' as I expected. It is still a good book full of suspense and romance, and the style of writing is rather nice and flowy, so it deserves its 4 stars.

Beth Bartholomew

I was lucky enough to be given a copy of the proof of this book at YALC by a family who had picked up two and saw that I'd missed out on getting one. This was one of the books I went to YALC wanting, a story about a witch years after the Salem Witch Trials, it looked like something different to what I'd usually read, but one that I'd really enjoy. 
 
To call this a witch story I think would be a little loose, the blurb for this proof says that the main character doesn't yet know she's a witch, well I can confirm that it takes a while for her to figure it out. I was expecting this book to be a bit more centred around magic, but instead it was heavily focused on romance, marriage and the families place in society. Having moved away from Boston after a family scandal was rumoured, the main characters end up at Willow Hall, which does have some creepy goings on, but it seems more of a paranormal tale than one of witchcraft. I was left wanting to know more throughout the book, what was the scandal, why were these paranormal going ons happening? We did get the answer to some of these, but writing this review now I've realised the end of this book left a lot open. 
 
Because of the small setting, mainly being set in Willow Hall and the surrounding village, it was easy to feel immersed in this book and in the world. I felt like I could easily fall into it and know where I was, which I liked. But I didn't feel much of a connection to the characters, they were quite typical really, one moody sister, one considerably younger and playful and one stuck in the middle of becoming an adult and still wanting a fantasy world. I actually read this at the same time as listening to To All The Boys I Love Before as an audiobook and the family dynamic seemed loosely mirrored.
 
Not to call this story predictable, but it was a little obvious where it was going and it took a long time to get there, I felt like it could have taken out half of the book and still been the same story. This was a shame because I think there was a real chance for this book to go down a different route, it captures a YA audience with a subject that isn't often written about. Personally taking into account the marketing of this book, I wanted to know more about the Salem Witch Trials, this story took part quite a while after, but it was referenced a few times, it could have done more. 
 
The reason for my rating when I've just written about how predictable this plot was, is because I enjoyed my reading experience. I've decided recently to base my reviews on how entertained I was whilst reading instead of technical marvels of writing, because actually something could be really well written, it doesn't mean I'll like reading it. This book made feel warm and cosy, I'd say it's a good Autumn read, I will only flaw it at it's pacing and unneeded moments.

TL Wright

Kristen Domonkos 

'This debut recalls Georgette Heyer, with extra spookiness' The Times 'Beautifully written... The Witch of Willow Hall will cast a spell over every reader' Lisa Hall, author of Between You and MeThe must-have historical read for the autumn, perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches and Outlander. Years after the Salem witch trials one witch remains. She just doesn't know it... yet. Growing up Lydia Montrose knew she was descended from the legendary witches of Salem but was warned to never show the world what she could do and so slowly forgot her legacy. But Willow Hall has awoken something inside her...1821: Having fled family scandal in Boston Willow Hall seems an idyllic refuge from the world, especially when Lydia meets the previous owner of the house, John Barrett. But a subtle menace haunts the grounds of Willow Hall, with strange voices and ghostly apparitions in the night, calling to Lydia's secret inheritance and leading to a greater tragedy than she could ever imagine. Can Lydia confront her inner witch and harness her powers or is it too late to save herself and her family from the deadly fate of Willow Hall? 'Steeped in Gothic eeriness it's spine-tingling and very atmospheric.' Nicola Cornick, author of The Phantom Tree'With its sense of creeping menace... this compelling story had me gripped from the first page... ' Linda Finlay, author of The Flower Seller'Creepy, tense, heartbreaking and beautifully, achingly romantic.'Cressida McLaughlinReaders are spellbound by the The Witch of Willow Hall! 'I could NOT put this thing down!' 'The ULTIMATE page turner!' 'What a story! It absolutely captivated me' 'Historical fiction with a side of romance and major helping of creepiness, this debut novel hits the mark!' 'The book pulls you in from the beginning with many twists and turns. I didn't want to put it down, and could not wait to see what was going to happen next.'

David William Cayden &
The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

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