The Witch of Willow Hall is a great read just in time for Halloween. This reminded me of a grown up version of Hocus Pocus except for the fact of the long lost youngest daughter and her next generation keeping the powers a secret until an unusual event happens where her powers activate. A fascinating read that immediately pulls you in imagining that you are right in the story following along wanting to know what happens to everyone! A read that is definitely necessary for Halloween.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. We will consider this title for our Fiction collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars!

Make me watch a scary movie and I’m the clichéd person watching through the tiny slivers of space between my fingers. But give me a terrifying book and I’m an intrepid explorer, the person who isn’t scared to investigate the suspicious noise or bewildering chill in the house.

I’ve been waiting for a book to scare me, and I didn’t fully realize it until I began Hester Fox’s powerfully atmospheric The Witch of Willow Hall.

Unlike the romances I’ve been reading, this book offered no guaranteed Happily Ever After, and I could feel that uncertainty—and the fears, anger, and resentment—burning on every page as Lydia Montrose settled into her new home, Willow Hall, and learned its secrets.

It’s not just Willow Hall that’s the mystery here.

There is something…different about Lydia, something her mother tells her she must hide from others forever. It leads to Tommy Bishop being hurt when he and Lydia are children; it divides Lydia and her sister, Catherine, reminding them both of the first time their family was almost ruined; and it threatens to erupt at Willow Hall, where they’ve moved in an effort to escape Boston and the public ruination of their family.

Fox is adept at pacing; she shrouds so much of the house and characters in mystery, and then slowly pulls back the veil bit by bit, until Lydia—and the readers—have just enough information to scuttle along until the next crisis. And she’s even more skilled in how she makes use of imagery. The characters and their wild, isolated, terrifying setting are richly evoked, particularly when it comes to the creepy little details that distinguish a really good ghost story from a mediocre one.

There were a few details of the plot that I questioned—they didn’t seem to entirely make sense in terms of characterization—but The Witch of Willow Hall gave me so much that I was looking for: it's a well-crafted, engrossing ghost story that had me shivering in fright and glee.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley but all opinions provided are my own.

4.5 Stars

This book took me by surprise, in a fantastic way. It was much creepier than I expected, with unexpected twists and turns. Some of the juicier tidbits I was able to figure out, but I still enjoyed the reveal.

Lydia Montrose and her family have been exiled from Boston, for rumors that involve her older sister. Now they have settled in Old Newbury, in the newly built Willow Hall. However, there is a foreboding presence there, which Lydia feels deeply. As well, Lydia is beginning to experience a strange and magical awakening of her own.

This is a book about family, loyalty, the weight of obligation and becoming our own, independent unit outside of those familial obligations. This book shows how women were expected to behave in the past (1821 America), how they were the ones at fault if there was any scandal, how their wishes and dreams were overshadowed by the men in their lives.

Lydia is the ever dutiful daughter, most often at the expense of her own happiness. She is quick to sooth a situation, to believe the best in others and to put her family above herself, even when they do nothing to deserve this blind obedience and love. Especially Catherine, the eldest Montrose daughter, who is cruel and hateful to Lydia. While the reader may have some sympathy for her when they realize the extent of the rumors and her "situation", she is still callous, cold hearted and selfish.

This is also a novel about loss. The loss of loved ones, the loss of innocence, the loss of faith and ideals. Lydia is changed throughout by truths that come to light about her family, her friends and herself. She uses her loss to become stronger, to defeat those that would seek to use and control her, and to find happiness for herself. It is also about things and people who haunt the characters. How past mistakes continue to plague the Montrose's lives and John Barrett, often leading to more mistakes or Lydia being pigeon holed into a life she does not want to live. The sweltering landscape and claustrophobic house become a metaphor for the sins of the family, eating away at the soul of each character. As winter comes, the family must succumb to their follies or face a rebirth.

Lydia goes from a weak, timid character, to a strong, passionate protector. I liked her and I loved her interactions with John Barrett. Their love reminded me of regency romances, very much like the love between characters in Austen or Bronte. John was a strong character, with faults that made him sympathetic and likable, and was also able to build Lydia up, instead of tearing her down. He was not written in to overshadow who she is, but to compliment her character and all that she hopes to become.

A great read, with some horrifying moments and some heartbreaking ones. A truly Gothic novel, with descriptions that transport you into Lydia's overbearing world. Characterization is fabulous, each new person you meet somehow enriches the plot and the growth of Lydia. There are some surprises and moments that leave you shocked and appalled, but the story intertwines these revelations with redemption and forgiveness. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, Gothic romance and horror.

Perfect for Halloween reading, this historical fiction is an atmospheric ghost story with some beautifully written passages.

Thanks to NetGalley and Graydon House for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was a delightfully moody and atmospheric debut novel; a perfect fall read, when the days are getting shorter and crisp winds blow through the trees (at least the fall of my dreams, if not my reality!).

Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there’s still one witch left in Massachusetts. But she doesn’t even know it. It’s 1821. In the wake of a scandal, Lydia and her family move from Boston to the sleepy New England town of New Oldbury, hoping for a fresh start in their new home, Willow Hall. But the house holds secrets that grab hold of Lydia and refuse to let her or her family find the peace they seek…

Fox’s writing is rich and detailed; she vividly conveys the oppressive heat of summer and the bone-chilling cold of winter, and her descriptions of the wild and moody manor house make it a character in its own right. The story builds slowly, but once I was hooked I didn’t want to put it down, eager to see what would happen next. And I’d say that while Lydia IS a witch, the book isn’t full of witchiness or sorcery, though there are ghosts and spooky occurrences aplenty. It’s more about the people and their relationships, and it’s not until the end that we see Lydia come to terms with her powers. (I would’ve loved more of this!) Full of secrets, betrayal, romance, mystery and tragedy, this is one historical fiction you won’t be able to put down!

I really enjoyed this tale of ghosts, witches, drownings and deceit. It actually felt like a quaint old-fashioned romance with some supernatural elements - but I mean that in the BEST way possible. A feel good creepy little book.

This book is about a young woman named Lydia who lives in 1821 Massachusetts. Apparently Lydia older sister Catherine has caused a great scandal for the family. So the Montrose parents have decided to move Catherine, Lydia and their younger sister Emeline to WillowHall. Turns out that Willow Hall might not be the best place to help the family after all. A lot of Ghosts from the past arise when the family arrives at Willow Hall. Lydia Witch bloodline shows up along with the ghosts. All of these things cause great heartache and great hardship for the girls during their time at Willow Hall. This book is a great Halloween read or just a great read for Witch Lovers. I really suggest you go check it out and buy it, now onto my final thoughts.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I did love the story and I would totally recommend this book. I love the witchy Hocus Pocus Vibes this book has, but at the same time, I have some issues with it. I have an issue with the slow burn, it takes Lydia forever to realize who she is and what powers she carries. I wish she had learned early on that she had some sort of powers. I felt like it took us forever to get to the good parts, but once you get there all of sudden the book is over. Now, this would be okay if we have a sequel coming but if we don't then, its sort of like the Charlie Brown teacher of blah blah. Now, on the other hand, the book was a really fast read, in the aspect that I was on the edge of my seat to find the good stuff. I do love the witchy vibe as I called it. For me personally, the Witchy Vibe is very hard to grasp, either you have it or you don't. I also love how Hester handle the incest storyline in the book, warning if that a trigger for you. But yes there is an incest storyline with Catherine and their older brother Charles. I am kind of upset with how everyone treats Lydia like a child yet she is nineteen, then they are all telling her to grow up. I am upset with how they all try to force Lydia into another marriage with an asshat.

But that's kind of the whole book for me, I love half the plot and hated half the plot. I truly love it and I want more of Hester works. John and Lydia love story was really sweet and very romantic. I love they just keep going towards one another even when everyone is trying to pull them apart. I felt sorry for Catherine, even though she deserved her pain in a way. I am also glad that Lydia finally had her moment and stood up. She stopped taking everyone shit and fought her way back to own her life. Honestly, though the Ghost and Witch vibe's that this book is giving off, far outweigh the things I disliked about the story. I will always recommend this book to people as a great witch read and will definitely check out more of Hester fox's books.

Spooky, suspenseful & a little bit witchy!

This book reminded me so much of the gothic romantic suspense novels that I used to love reading growing up. They were my absolute favourite stories and this tale just made me feel all nostalgic and reminded me of my fondness for these types of stories.

THE WITCH OF WILLOW HALL by HESTER FOX is a dark, haunting, romantic and an excellent debut novel that had me totally absorbed, entertained, and interested throughout this entire book.

I wouldn’t necessarily say that this story was all that gripping or suspenseful for me though but it definitely had an ominous feel to it that I found quite appealing.

HESTER FOX delivers an atmospheric, intriguing and beautifully written gothic romantic tale of suspense and mystery here with wonderful character development, a captivating setting and an extremely spellbinding storyline. I really enjoyed the creepy dark vibe and the supernatural aspect to this novel even if it was a little subtle the real magic here was in Lydia's character.

It was one of those books that definitely cast its spell on me and I wanted to savour every single page.

Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Beautiful, alluring, eye-catching, intriguing and a fitting representation to storyline.
Title: Appealing, suspenseful, intriguing and a fitting representation to storyline. My interest is always piqued when the word witch is in a title and I’m usually all over it!
Writing/Prose: Well-written, engaging, captivating, and fluid.
Plot: Foreboding, menacing, engrossing, leisurely-paced, enjoyable and extremely entertaining. I adored this storyline!
Ending: A lovely ending that I was extremely satisfied with and left me feeling hopeful.
Overall: A fascinating read that had me totally engrossed within this gothic romance tale from start to finish! I absolutely loved the creepy and menacing feel that subtly emanated throughout this wonderful atmospheric tale! Would highly recommend!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Harlequin and Hester Fox for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!

I couldn't have been more surprised by a book! I love anything relating to the Salem witch trials, but I'm not the biggest fan of historical fiction usually. Either way, I was eager to give this book a chance and I"m so very glad I did.

A perfect fall, Halloween-time read. I felt myself captured by the history in the book as much as the beautiful gothic descriptions. Hester Fox gives us a stunning debut, full of family secrets, scandal, and romance--all while keeping us captured in a setting I won't soon forget.

This title really got under my skin, and I suspect some of the darker tones won't leave me for a long, long time.

When her family becomes the focus of a major scandal, Lydia and her family move to a rural town and settle into Willow Hall. The glittering mansion seems like it will be a new start for Lydia. However, the house seems to hold its own share of secrets and ghosts. As Lydia discovers the ghosts that walk through the corridors, she learns that her mother is keeping a major secret from her. She eventually digests the information about her dark past. Can Lydia ever accept who she is?

Lydia is a very complex character. She has a good relationship with her youngest sister, Emeline. She loves and cares for her. However, she does not get along with her older sister and is often critical and judgmental of her actions. She is often to rude to the man she loves and accuses him for his actions without asking for his side of the story. She is very selfish. There were times when she can be almost ruthless, and I was horrified by one of the deeds that she almost committed. Yet, this is what makes her a fascinating character. She is always battling against the evil forces within herself. She always strive to be good and resist the temptation to commit horrible crimes.

Overall, this novel is about self-identity, loss, family, and acceptance. I thought the author needed to work on character development. Most of them are stereotypical, and the villain was cartoonish. There were also a few subplots that did nothing to enhance the plot. Still, The Witch of Willow Hall is well-written and is very atmospheric. Its gothic setting and paranormal aspects will suck you into the story right away! The Witch of Willow Hall is an enjoyable novel and is a fun read for Halloween!I recommend this for fans of The Other English Wife, The Phantom Tree, and The Haunting of Maddy Clare.

5 Gold dust stars for this gothic. It was so enjoyable for an October read. Just what I was looking for and it really delivered. Highly atmospheric. I enjoyed the characters and the setting, which was a bit of a character in and of itself. The woods, a pond, a magical willow tree (maybe?); ghosts, things that go bump in the night! An old estate. Family secrets.

The family is involved in a bit of scandal. They move to Willow Hall to hide away until things blow over. I loved Lydia and connected to her very quickly. Her sister, Catherine, not so much. She is quite nasty and self absorbed. Lydia finds things happen when she gets angry. She doesn't understand some of the things that happen. At Willow Hall she will get the answers she has looked for all of her life. Can her family be connected to the Salem witches somehow? Her little sister Emaline likes to look for mermaids in the pond about the willow tree. What else does Emaline see there? There is also a budding romance between John (Lydia's father's business partner) and Lydia.
But what is his motive? And Catherine seems to want to steal him for herself.

This is seriously atmospheric and slowly builds. The pace was perfect and the characters well developed. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a good gothic. High on the suspense meter.

Thank you to Hester Fox and the publisher, Graydon House, via NetGalley for an ARC for review. I look forward to reading more by the author!

This book is awesome! I liked the writing style. I liked the creepiness.

I received a free copy from Harlequin Publicity and NetGalley for an honest review.

Very well written novel, with gothic, ghostly, melancholy elements! Personally not my genre, so I did not enjoy it as much as others might if they really like to read gothic fiction.

4 stars

Hester Fox's debut novel The Witch of Willow Hall is the perfect gothic ghost story for October book clubs looking for a creepy October read. Set in Massachusetts in the Era of Good Feelings (the period after the War of 1812), it tells the story of the Montrose family along with that of their ancestors, the Hales, and Prestons. The protagonist, Lydia, is the middle sister and has occasionally seemed to possess some interesting ability to both see and do things. She dotes on her younger sister Emeline but struggles to relate to her beautiful older sister Catherine, and her older brother Charles. After a scandal not involving Catherine, the family is forced, without Charles, to move to New Oldbury (a name that Catherine ridicules) to her father's recently purchased estate of Willow Hall. There Lydia meets John Barrett, who recently sold Willow Hall to Mr. Montrose but seems shocked that the family is moving there permanently. Montrose and Barrett have a mill business together. (Of course, given the date of 1821, you can guess where all that cotton is coming from...)

You attract them. Some mean you harm. Be prepared for what lies ahead.

Lydia has visions of what appear to be ghosts and receives cryptic warnings written on steamy mirrors or heard in voices that others seem not to hear. When stressed, intriguing things happen around Lydia. Her gift is both frustrating and protective, as she forges a path through mysteries and tragedies in her own family and that of John Barrett. Lydia is a fairly likable, if self-doubting heroine. Her relationship with her younger sister is especially well written and poignant. Not being much of a romance fan, her relationships with her potential suitors, Cyrus and John, struck just the right balance for me.

The novel is well written and plotted. It's evident that Fox researched her subject and the region of New England. Although some of the character interactions feel a bit anachronistic for the era in tone and language, the book is still quite enjoyable for readers of historical fiction. If Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, and Alice Hoffman had a book baby/project, it could be this book!

All in all, I'd recommend the book for those looking for a light witchy read for October for their book club. I do have a trigger warning mentioned below in a spoiler...

(view spoiler) ->The novel contains a subplot with incest. (spoiler is hidden on Goodreads.)

I received a Digital Review Copy and a paper review copy from Graydon House/Harlequin, a division of Harper Collins, in exchange for an honest review.

http://marziesreads.blogspot.com/2018/10/review-witch-of-willow-hall.html

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2540709661

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While I loved the premise of this book, I struggled to over look how much I disliked the majority of the characters. I really liked the main character and her younger sister, there relationship was interesting to watch and I enjoyed getting to learn about her fathers business partner. I disliked how long Fox made us wait to learn what the scandal that effected her family and set off the events in the book was because I had built it up so much in my mind and also had pretty much figured it out that the reveal wasn't was strong as it could have been and I felt a little underwhelmed by it. I strongly disliked her family and several times almost put the book down because of something they did. I did really enjoy the ending and I defiantly got emotional during one particularly sad event. This was a fun book to read during the fall but overall I was a little let down.

Thanks NetGalley for my free review copy!

In 1821 America, a young witch, gradually learns to use her talents properly and to accept who and what she is.

(It always starts with a Bishop, does it not?)

Boston, 1811.

What if your temper got the best of you, to disastrous results? What if you didn’t know what happened, only to find a boy beaten and bloody at your feet? What if you were only 8 and told it was best to never speak of the incident again? Lydia Montrose, though scared and confused, does what she is told.

New Oldbury, 1821.

Ten years later, the Montrose family flees Boston thanks to the scandalous accusations leveled at them. Only this time it isn’t Lydia’s fault. Relocating to grand, yet isolated Willow Hall seems to be just what the family needs. While the countryside (and a certain handsome neighbor) is idyllic, the expansive home’s atmospheric is malevolent, especially to Lydia and Emeline. After a terrible tragedy strikes the family, Lydia needs to discover who she truly is, if she has any hope of rescuing herself and her family.

What a perfect autumn read! The Witch at Willow Hall* is Hester Fox’s debut novel and I loved it (not to put too fine a point on it). Featuring a strong female lead, a malicious sister, mysterious apparitions, an eligible bachelor, and secret family histories, there’s plenty to keep the pages turning, without being overwhelming. Equal parts gothic mystery, historical fiction, and ghost story, this is a book best read when the leaves are changing and the wind is howling.

Or whenever it strikes your fancy.

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…

Review:

What a great story for this witching season.

It is very atmospheric and gothic in feel. It is also so full of romance, mystery, ghosts, secrets and machinations. There is a whole lot wrong in Lydia's family and Lydia tries to help those around her even though, honestly some of her family does not deserve her help. Then she has this power that is a confusion to her and takes a ghost relative to help her learn about her gifts. Then there is John Barrett their new neighbor, who Lydia has strong feelings for. Both John and Lydia are not very clear about their feelings that lead to some misunderstandings and road blocks in their romance.

A very descriptive and engaging read, that I could not put down once I started reading it. I so wrapped in the story I did not want it to end.

Cannot wait to read what this Author comes out with next!

4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

Gothic romance with witches, ghosts is full of surprises
By Sandy Mahaffey For The Free Lance–Star Oct 6, 2018

I must confess that I didn’t know just what I was in store for me when I began Hester Fox’s “The Witch of Willow Hall.” Little did I know that it was part of several genres that I tend not to read. Yet, much to my delight, I found it to be a well-written, engaging read. It is a YA, gothic romance with witches and ghosts.
It is also Fox’s impressive début novel.
The Montrose family has moved from Boston to the countryside to escape a scandal created by their eldest daughter, Catherine. Their father had originally built their house, Willow Hall, as a summer retreat, but they will be living there permanently while he begins setting up a new cotton mill with a young business partner, John Barrett.
Lydia is convinced that Catherine’s scandal will prevent her from ever marrying. She also possesses special talents over which she has no control. She has no idea she is a witch, nor does she understand why she is the only one who keeps seeing and hearing ghosts. A family tragedy, broken engagements, new love, rivalries, sulking sisters, a handsome hero and a nasty villain and all the other surprises the Montrose family brings are not what the sleepy hamlet of New Oldbury expected from their new neighbors.
Hester Fox has created some extremely interesting characters, who I found nearly impossible to either cheer for or detest. There are enough surprises in the plot to keep one engaged, and the 1821 New England village comes to life through her writing.
“The Witch of Willow Hall” is light, a bit suspenseful, romantic and engaging. As much as I enjoyed it, I am certain her target audience will love it.

Sandy Mahaffey is former Books editor at The Free Lance–Star.

Eerie and atmospheric. The romance was obvious and the animosity between the two older sisters escalated out of nowhere, but the story itself was gothic and creepy. I would have liked to see Lydia learn about her powers earlier on but overall, this was a great October read.