Author Hester Fox had gained a new fan. Granted this is the only book of hers that I have read, but I loved it. Part romance, part literary, part gothic, part ghost story and part thriller, “The Widow of pale Harbor” has a light creepy factor that makes it a perfect fall read.

Both of the main characters, Sophronia Crarver and Gabriel Stone, are haunted by the deaths of their spouses. Not literally, but the ghosts of their lives travel with Sophronia and Gabriel. Gabriel has left Concord, Massachuestts, for Pale Harbor, Maine, to become a transcendentalist minister. His late wife, Anna, has aspired to that for him, although he knows little about the movement. Sophronia is the widow of one of the town’s wealthiest and most influential residents. When he died, the town was sure he was murdered and convicted Sophronia without the benefit of a trial. Since then, she has not left the grounds of her large home, Castle Carver, that she shares with Helen, a woman she plucked out of the poorhouse. Helen has that creepy factor that reminded me of Mrs. Danvers from “Rebecca.”

I was hooked from the first sentence of the twisty novel: “This was the fourth dead raven to appear of Sophronia Carver’s front path in as many weeks, and there was no explaining it away as coincidence this time.” Isn’t that wonderful? Whenever I head about a raven, my thoughts immediately fly (no pun intended), to Edgar Allen Poe. His works play an important part of this novel.

Gabriel tries to settle into Pale Harbor, but it’s not as easy as he’d hoped. The people want to welcome him into their hamlet, but when he loses their trust when he befriends Sophronia.
There are so many twists in the novel that I could barely put it down; It’s one of those that will keep y’all up all night. I loved it! “The Widow of Pale Harbor” receives 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

I wanted to really love this book, the blurb was super! However it seemed to drag for me, and I honestly didn't know if I would be able to finish it. Finally we got to the ending where all the suspense was! Whew that was good! I did not see it coming.

One thing I had a really hard time with was her name! Sophronia is hard to read continuously, I kept having to stop and reread it.

I read and adored Hester Fox's debut, The Witch of Willow Hall, last year (like seriously, my review started with "I'm dead"). Needless to say, I've been eagerly anticipating the release of her second novel, The Widow Of Pale Harbour.

I'm glad to say, it didn't disappoint!

The Widow Of Pale Harbour is a Gothic mystery with a strong romance. It combines streaks of transcendentalist religion with lashings of dark Edgar Allan Poe references.

One of my favourite things about Fox's writing is that she does characterisation and romance incredibly well. Instalove is usually one of my least favourite troops, and enough to make me put down quite a lot of books. While it might not be exactly instalove, the relationship between the two main characters develops very quickly from intrigue to attraction. I found myself loving every minute of it.

Fox manages to make the building attraction between Gabriel and Sophronia build within just a few scenes together, and then simmer throughout the body of the book.
I adore the amount of atmosphere that Fox is able to bring to her stories. The setting of Pale Harbour itself, particularly the bluff and Castle Carver, were incredibly vivid in my mind, despite the fact that I've no knowledge whatsoever about mid-19th-century Maine.

The tone and atmosphere was incredibly reminiscent of Poe's work -- which of course fits perfectly -- and movies like Crimson Peak or Jane Eyre.

There are two mysteries at play: Sophronia's past with her deceased husband, and the more plot-driven mystery. Sophronia is receiving threats throughout the novel and we're presented with a series of potential culprits and victims as the situation escalates. I thought the mystery really well-written. There are lots of red-herrings and the possible suspects each seemed to be a strong possibility. I wasn't overly shocked by the culprit in the end, but I also didn't see it coming, which I think is the ideal type of reveal.

The Widow of Pale Harbour is a lush, Gothic, mystery with compelling characters. I didn't love it quite as much as I adored the Witch of Willow Hall, but I think that was purely personal preference and only by a small amount.

I would thoroughly recommend this novel, especially as the darker nights draw in.

The Widow of Pale Harbor by Hester Fox introduces us to Sophronia Carver, a widow has become housebound after the death of her husband. Most people in the village of Pale Harbor believe that she murdered her husband and is a witch. Their beliefs become even more firmly rooted after the occurrence of strange events around town.

Gabriel Stone is a widower who has come to Pale Harbor as a transcendentalist minister, his late wife’s dream, not his own. He’s hoping that by carrying out her wishes, he can do right by her. (She was a cheater so this felt a little naive to me.) Immediately, Gabe is told to avoid the widow in Castle Carver, which, of course, makes him even more intent upon meeting her.

I loved Hester Fox’ debut novel The Witch of Willow Hall from last year. You can read my review here. It had that gothic feel, the atmosphere was almost palpable. The Widow of Pale Harbor on the other hand, falls short of evoking those same emotions. Rather, it reads like a historical mystery and despite one red herring that tried to dissuade me from my guess of who-dun-it, the suspect was obvious.

I didn’t feel invested in the characters of Sophronia and Gabriel enough to care about their romance, which amounted to love-at-first-sight and somewhat reckless behavior–but maybe that’s supposed to show heightened passion?

That said, this is not a bad novel by any means. It’s a fairly decent mystery and romance, but the gothic elements I was looking forward, which made Fox’s debut novel so good, were missing. My reactions were probably colored by that.

If you like historical mysteries, verging perhaps on the macabre, with a hefty does of romance thrown in, The Widow of Pale Harbor may be for you.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

From the beginning of the book, I could almost see the swirling fog winding around my ankles as I explored Pale Harbor. There’s an ominous sense of deja vu in some of the details, until it’s revealed that the events of the book are connected to some of Poe’s stories. Nice touch!

The actual widow of Pale Harbor, Sophy Carver, has a live-in friend (Helen) who reminded me of a creepy version of Batman’s Alfred. Her presence made Sophy seem almost helpless at many points, so it seemed out of character when Sophy was able to show some backbone. This back-and-forth was strangely discomforting.

I was disappointed in the lack of paranormal elements in the book, especially when there were some witchy vibes in the early pages. Most of the eerie factor focused around the town’s distrust of Mrs. Carver. While I understand that public opinion and groupthink would have played a real role in a situation like Pale Harbor’s story, it just had so much more potential. There was a lot of strong profanity that didn’t seem to fit, either.

I didn’t love this book, but didn’t hate it either. It’s a solid 3 stars for me.

After reading and loving “The Witch of Willow Hall” by Hester Fox I couldn’t wait to read this book. I had two people in mind as the suspects but I was wrong. So wrong. I didn’t expect that twist at all and definitely didn’t see it coming. I liked Gabriel and Sophronia as they both have been burned and they are just trying to move forward. At times I felt their relationship was moving too fast and it I would have liked a slower burn between the couple. Overall, this was a strong and well written sophomore book by Hester Fox that kept my interest and eager to see how everything would unfold. I highly recommend this story if you’re a fan of gothic novels.

With the perfect balance of romance and mystery, The Widow of Pale Harbor is a fun read. I couldn't put it down at the end, avoiding sleep so that I could see how it all came together!

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Gothic style read complete with a widow rumored to be a murderess, her strange companion, and a mysterious man who isn't who he says he is. Hester Fox weaves a mystery and superstitions into a quick dark read. Reccommend to readers of mystery who want a bit romance.

Good love story of a widow and the new preacher in town. The town calls her a witch who killed her husband, whom the town admired. There are strange Poe-story related things happening that are being blamed on the widow. Still, she manages to overcome...

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A mastermind with a Poe fascination is causing residents to turn on a young widow. With help from those loyal to her, the mystery is resolved.

Hester Fox is a master of authentic and engaging historical fiction. I absolutely loved The Witch of Willow Hall that came out last year, so much that it became my favorite historical fiction book. I'm pleased to say that The Widow of Pale Harbor is not far behind it! I devoured this book in two sittings, the sittings consisting of fighting off goosebumps, swooning and shipping the romance, and nail biting. The perfectly-paced plot continued to thicken with plot twists and a beautiful romance, and I couldn't have asked for a better autumn book.

The characters were so rich in this story. All of them fascinated me, especially Helen. Every single character jumped off the page, not being confined to words or the plot. They each had their own life outside and inside the plot, and I loved learning more about them, especially their pasts and the psychology behind their actions.

I have a few other details that I loved in this story. I really enjoyed all the Poe references and even the plot surrounding Poe's stories. It added so much depth and creepiness. I also loved the transcendentalism references that made this book seem authentic. And it had a lighthouse. Hester Fox must know that lighthouses are my weakness.

If you're looking for a book that will put you in the autumn mood, don't hesitate to pick this one up. It's a perfect balance of creepy, history, romance, and mystery. I'm already looking forward to Hester Fox's next book.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you to Graydon House (and especially Lisa Wray) for the ARC and for having me be a part of the blog tour! This book will be released on September 17, 2019.

At the end of August I am gearing up for fall and there is nothing that puts me in the mood of Autumn, quite like a gothic romance and when I saw this title available on NetGalley I jumped because I had also enjoyed Hester Fox's previous book.

Like the other, this title did not disappoint and it was a quick read, and an excellent 'fall feeling' title.

Gabriel Stone moves to Maine under the pretense of being a minister in the church there. When he arrives he arrives to a town that has been experiencing a number of strange events, most of which are blamed upon the Widow Carver who lives in a large house, is accused of murdering her husband, and possibly being a witch. Of course he becomes intrigued by her, and as they get to know each other, they both deal with their pasts, and to a degree, their own co-dependencies.

I loved the setting of this novel, it did surprise me a bit in the end, and I enjoyed the way that Poe's works were woven throughout it - as a contemporary aspect of the setting.

In some ways I think The Witch of Willow Hall was a tighter narrative and better written, but in some ways I enjoyed this story more. Either way, it was precisely what I was in the mood for, and I will recommend it to fans of gothic romance and that genre of stories, and it's possible I'll read it again sometime in the future.

Really enjoyable historical fiction! I loved the slight nod to the Peabody Sisters... I forget which one was married to a preacher, but I felt some parallels here. I enjoyed Hester Fox's last book as well because they exude very subtle witchery. I can't wait to see what she does next!

The Widow of Pale Harbor by Hester Fox is an intriguing gothic romance that is full of drama, suspense, mystery, and the fear of the unknown. Set in along Maine's coastline during the 1800's, this historical fiction is sure to draw you in from the beginning with twists and turns that are sure to keep you second-guessing never knowing who to really blame or fear. Fox draws us into a world that is dark and gloomy that is full of well-written characters who have backstories that all tie into the main character's past.

When Gabriel Stone arrives in Pale Harbor he does not know what to expect but the mysterious widow who lives in Castle Carver captures his attention with her mysterious allure and suspicious rumors. Sophronia Carver is the talk of the town and not in a good way. The townspeople of Pale Harbor blame her for the death of her husband but the real mystery is his past and the person he really was. When dark secrets from the past come to light no one knows who is to blame and what the future will hold.

The Widow of Pale Harbor is a novel that will not disappoint with just the right amount of creepy mystery to keep me guessing and turning pages. I loved the dark feel of the story, and yet for historical fiction, the book reads so quickly and effortlessly. The Widow of Pale Harbor is the perfect mysterious romantic read for the fall season.

A slightly odd but compelling mystery - who is leaving strange and possibly witchy signs and symbols around 19th-century Pale Harbor? Is it the reclusive widow, Sophronia Carver? What does the new and kind of unconvincing transcendentalist minister have to do with all of this? When the mystery proceeds to murders and unexplained deaths, why do they all seem to reference Edgar Allan Poe stores?

I guessed the culprit early, but not the full reasoning behind the culprit's behavior, so that was good. I'd give it a B.

Hester Fox has such a unique writing style - The Widow of Pale Hollow is the second of her titles I have read. This one is a classic take on the theme "It was a dark, stormy night", because her stories are filled with dark, stormy nights. This is the story of Gabriel Stone, recently relocated to Pale Harbor to begin a transcendental church in his late wife's honor. Gabriel arrives on a dark, stormy night, and in the neglected church where he is to preach, he stumbles on a grisly find in the nave of the church. He is warned to stay away from Sophronia Carver (what a great name!) by all the townsfolk; she is reported to be a spell-casting murderess who got away with killing her husband.

Gabriel begins visiting town-folk; as the new minister he knows it is his duty. All have the same terrible warning; stay away from the Widow Carver. As fiction deems, he accidentally does meet Sophronia, and they are immediately attracted to each other. Things are not always as they seem, however; the town and Helen, Sophronia's housekeeper, are vying to keep the couple apart.

Sophronia is the editor of her late husband's magazine, and she has been receiving disturbing requests for publication, along with even more sinister and disturbing messages references to Edgar Allen Poe's stories. Together, Sophronia and Gabriel try to solve the mystery of the Pale Harbor evils, while at the same time remaining enamored with each other and trying to keep their growing bonds secret.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of all of the characters in this book, from the spoiled, rich, one-dimensional people of the town, to the deeply dark character of Helen, and the depth of Sophronia and Gabriel both. It's a haunting, dark story centered around some completely horrific clues, hints of witchcraft and magic, along with the bitterness that can ruin a life. I found it to be old-fashioned enough in tone, yet written on a level I could appreciate. I look forward to reading more stories by Hester Fox!

I am still obsessed with the Witch of Willow Hall and I wasn't disappointed with this author's second novel at all! It was creepy, suspenseful, AND romantic, which is a real feat. I really enjoyed it and it left me yearning for cool, fall days and trips to a coast I've never seen. Can't wait to pick up a hard copy when it pubs later this year.

Basically, I will credit this book with restoring my faith in books. Granted my string of mediocre reads was short-lived (like 4 books), but still. Wowza. I read Hester Fox’s first novel, The Witch of Willow Hall last year and adored it. There was no way I could refuse the chance to read more from her.

Things I loved:

-Gothic, New England setting
-Dark seaside vibe
-Strong female lead
-Very likeable male lead who understands consent
-Writing that strangely still reminds me of Jane Austen
-A twisty and intriguing mystery
-A dash of witchcraft
-A romance that should feel like insta-love but 100% was not
-Edgar Allen Poe connection

Things I disliked:

-Sophronia is a strange name
-Nothing

So, let's just start by saying that this is NOT your average novel. I've heard of Hester Fox before but I regrettably didn't get a chance to read The Witch of Willow Hall because I think it was one of the many book casualties I dealt with when my house/office caught fire. If she's got more-! I want it! Seriously. The first that came to mind while reading The Widow of Pale Harbor was Crimson Peak, We Have Always Lived in the Castle and Edgar Allen Poe- and low and behold there's a murderer coping Poe's works, which was exciting because I'm almost certain someone probably tried to do that. The characters for me had a strong start and the only one I really found annoying was Gabriel and his continuous mentions of him not being a "real priest", like ok dude shut up. And Sophronia with her instant attraction to him- which you could spot a country away because of Gabriel's "attraction" to her husband's chair when they finally meet. The romance just seemed a little forced and probably could've been excluded. In the end, I stayed engrossed in the gothic setting and small isolated town. My favorite tropes of any type of novel in any genre.

I received this from Netgalley.com for a review.

Maine, 1846. Gideon Stone is desperate to escape the ghosts that haunt him after his wife's death. Sophronia Carver, a widow is a recluse, rumored to be a witch who killed her husband.

This book is more of the romance gothic genre (compared to the authors first book), than Historical gothic.

3☆