Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book was an interesting mix of family relationships, romance, and magical realism. I enjoyed the magical realism part the most I think, once I realized that it was the key to the book. I was a little frustrated by the relationships/romance parts, since I had a little problem with the lack of character development - particular with Mila.

I could understand Magda's nastiness, once she explained it all to Mila, although I thought her changes were a little drastic - okay, chalk it up to the magical influences of the White Hare. But Mila's behavior was inexplicable. Why in the world did she do whatever her mother ordered, including turning all her financial resources over to her mother? I realize that she had been emotionally abused by her mother for much of her life, but still....... And it appeared that she had a pattern of falling for any nice looking man who showed the slightest interest in her.

After getting frustrated by this for awhile, I decided to ignore character development, and just approach this as a mystical book, with the characters as a vehicle for the White Hare to wield her powers. This worked a lot better for me, and allowed me to just relax and enjoy the truly lovely writing.

This was a long one and I was glad I had it as an e-book so that I could read bits here and there throughout my days and make my way through it. I really enjoyed the writing and the mystery element of the plot, however the ending fell a little flat for me. Perhaps because it was such a long build that I expected more. There was a strong element of Cornish folklore and history woven into the story and for fans of historical fiction, you may really enjoy this.

I had mixed feelings while reading The White Hare. While I wanted to love the story, there were things I loved and things that were just okay.
There is quite an eclectic cast of characters that will grab the reader's imagination. I could not quite connect with the main character and totally disliked her mother. But as the story progressed I found the story entertaining. While a little slow at times, the plot was interesting with a few unexpected twists.
One of the things I loved was the atmospheric setting of White Cove that almost appeared as a character itself. The beautiful and vivid descriptions appeal to the senses, promising to draw the reader into the Cornish setting filled with mysterious folklore.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This entrancing historical fiction takes place in 1954-55, following the story of Mila, a young mother to precocious Janey, and her mother Magda. Mila's relationship with Janey's father has fallen apart and her domineering mother has decided to remove the small family to a neglected manor house in Cornwall, where she plans to open a guest house. But strange things, omens and portents, haunt the family as they begin renovations on the house, starting with a vision of a large white hare as the family first visits the house.

Deftly woven into the narrative are threads of ancient magic and the White Lady who guards the lands the house stands on, as well as some contemporary history in the post-war years. Mila's character arc is inspiring. She goes from an unsure-of-herself somewhat mousy young mother to a more confident, vibrant woman as she and her daughter come to love the house and the lands they now inhabit. The supporting cast of characters in the village, including the overly pious churchman, the artist/healer couple who continue to honor the old ways, and the intially enigmatic love interest, are all drawn with distinct personalities and contribute to the story seamlessly.

I really enjoyed escaping with this book and the author obviously knows her homeland of Cornwall, as she describes the natural world in glowing detail and tons of history, from ancient tribes to small village pettiness, from golden torcs to rock carvings, in such a way that I want to hop the next plane across the pond and immerse myself in this world. A highly entertaining book, well written, with lots to keep historical fiction fans turning the pages. Perfect for fans of Susanna Kearsley.

Do you like women's fiction and stories of mothers & daughters? If so, then this is a book that you should read. Set in Cornwall, this is a story of love, magic, and what can happen when you try to restore an old home. This was a delight to read.

Thanks to Simon & Shuster and NetGalley for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

Mila thinks “We’re not living in a fairy tale,” but there are elements of folklore, legends, myths, and magical qualities that make this an engrossing 5-star read. Any book that is recommended to fans of Kate Morton and Alice Hoffman sets me up for an atmospheric story of family, old houses, secrets, and mysteries. This one has all that and more.

Mila, her young daughter Janey, and her mother Magda have invested all their money to purchase a remote and neglected old house in Cornwall above the beach, on the edge of a forest. They intend to renovate and restore it to its former glory, with Magda planning to throw glamorous parties while Mila just wants a place to rebuild her life and raise her daughter. The superstitious local villagers hint at the house’s dark reputation while imaginative Janey seems to have connected with a mystical white hare that offers protection, guidance, and perhaps even answers to the mysteries that are slowly revealed.

The novel is told from Mila’s point of view, with much of the focus on the broken relationship between Mila and her mother Magda. This drama plays out against some of the other characters’ narratives as we learn more about them and the history of the area. The lush, wild forest is almost a character itself, providing a timeless atmospheric backdrop to this story that takes place in 1954. It also includes secret stairways, an ancient cryptic symbol that keeps turning up, and the feeling of a presence. As Mila says, “It’s not threatening – not to us, anyway – but just a sense of being watched, or maybe watched over. A sort of awareness, much larger than we are.”

Themes of strong women, family, mothers and daughters, healing and forgiveness blend with the magical and mystical aspects of folklore, restorative herbal concoctions, and a bit of romance, too. I thoroughly enjoyed this rich, timeless story with a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend it.

An interesting read combining Celtic legends with post war Cornwall. Magdalena and her daughter Mila purchase a large, neglected house fairly cheaply – perhaps due to its mysterious history – with plans to return turn it to its prior glory and into a venue for parties. Mila brings her young daughter Janey who is never without her stuffed rabbit. When Janey begins spouting things that Rabbit has told her and the family at times get a quick glance of a white hare, Mila begins to wonder if some of the legends about the area are indeed true. Throw in other characters like the Rector who is all too happy to involve himself in Magdalena & Mila’s life, the young man back from the war who grew up in the area and clearly dislikes the Rector, as well as numerous locals with histories of their own.

Escaping a scandal in London, Mila and her 5-year-old daughter go with Mila’s mother, Magda, to live in an old house in Cornwall. It’s 1954, and the house has sat empty since before the war. Magda plans to renovate White Cove into a guest house, and Mila is going along with her strong-willed parent’s direction because she has no other options.

The house has a history, however, and locals are wary of the newcomers. Some in the area are also superstitious: centuries before, people worshiped the Lady, who protected the land and its inhabitants. While Christianity came in and aimed to erase the pagan ways (through bloody means), signs of those old ways remain. It’s said that the white hare is the Lady’s expression in the world, and when the little family drive into the valley the first night, Mila and her daughter think they see a white hare in the road.

Little Janey, a bright and imaginative girl, shares many stories about what she learns about the area from her stuffed toy, Rabbit. Mila is proud of her daughter and wants her to feel happy, secure and loved. But sometimes what Janey shares is a little unnerving.

They meet Jack Lord, a man who has come to the area after serving in the military during the war. He’s putting that behind him and working odd jobs to get by. Janey, Mila and Magda all like him, and he them. But Mila is having a hard time letting go of Janey’s father and her heartbreak, and Jack is not sharing much about himself or his background. Their secrets, their resistance to openness, are walls blocking the possibilities that may exist between them.

As the plot progresses, readers and the characters learn more about the bad event that took place at the house two decades before. Pieces of the mystery pop up and come together. The supernatural plays small parts to nudge along the resolution.

The story and Johnson’s writing style reminded me a lot of Kate Morton or Susanna Kearsley. The setting, the far west of Cornwall on the sea, is drenched in mystery, old magic and layer upon layer of rich history. It has such a sense of place. Echoes, imprints, of the events of the far and near past are absorbed into the land.

The White Hare is wonderfully written and just the kind of story that I love. It draws the reader in to an atmospheric setting that simply feels quietly magical, drawing upon legends, and then tells a tale of mystery and old secrets. I recommend it.

THE WHITE HARE by Jane Johnson is recommended for fans of Kate Morton (The House at Riverton and other titles) and I wholeheartedly concur. From the very opening quote, "There is no such thing as an innocent landscape," to the final page, this novel is filled with suspenseful secrets and a sense of foreboding. Three generations, stylish Magda ("don’t call me Granny"); her daughter Mila (recently jilted by a bigamist); and five-year-old Janey (wise beyond her years) are intent on beginning a new life in Cornwall during 1954. There, they plan to renovate a house know as White Cove and encourage paying guests. But the locals keep alluding to bad history associated with the house and each of the woman senses another presence at times. This is a wonderful tale with allusions to folklore and to a much more recent mystery. While it's sometimes difficult to believe that a child as young as Janey is allowed to roam so freely, the story is extremely atmospheric, the characters are genuine, and the rural setting beautifully depicted. Johnson even offers a taste of romance and utilizes the Prusiks' Polish origins to frame thoughts on belonging and acceptance. THE WHITE HARE received a starred review from Library Journal. Other read-alikes might include The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield or Eve Chase's Black Rabbit Hall.

I haven't felt this kind of connection to fiction about complicated family since Chocolat. History and superstition meld together with glimpses of the unexplained for a well-paced read about making our way through the complications of family. And family history. Ugly family history.
I loved the remote seaside setting in the rambling mansion. I loved Janey's character and her rabbit - her intuitiveness and grown-up-ness. The tension between Magdalena and Mila was palpable and raw. Identifiable. We all have people in our lives, family or not, from whom we accept scars. People we can't live with and can't live without.
This was such an atmospheric read. I would definitely pick up more from Jane Johnson.

4.5/5 Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

An eerie, fantastical tale taking place in 1954 in a Cornwall valley where history and memories run deep.

Mila, her mother Magda, and her daughter Janie, buy an old run down house in a rural Cornwall valley and move in. Most of the other villagers are wary of outsiders and they find their reception varies greatly. The old house needs a lot of work and they get going. The plan is to make the place into a guest house to attract city people for a country getaway. Mila feels that her mother is treating her as a slave and young Janie is often left to explore the place on her own. There are many inexplicable occurrences involving blue/white light, a white hare, and old stone carvings; and yet there are many other odd happenings that do end up having very reasonable explanations. The valley has a history full of folklore and an unusual, haunting atmosphere at times; plus a little magical element.

The characters are well written, although five year old Janie is a little too precocious. It is a very interesting and well written story about a mother, daughter, and granddaughter trying to start a new life. Mila’s new friends in the valley are all a little odd which adds to the intrigue along with Janie’s vivid imagination. Reading this makes you want to visit, walk through the forest, and trudge down to the sea to experience it all. I really enjoyed reading this delightful tale encouraging people to look to the future and not dwell on past mistakes.

What a great fall read! The White Hare by Jane Johnson gets me in the mood to curl up under a cozy blanket and read for hours on end. It is a little creepy and spooky, but not scary. There is some witchcraft and magic, but nothing over the top. There is a mystery but things turn out well without being cheesy. This book is just fantastic!

I loved the characters and their transformations over time, especially Jack and Magda. The setting was also top notch. Now, I simply must visit Cornwall. What a place!

After reading this book, I was happy to learn that Jane Johnson has a great collection of other books. Her writing drew me in and was oh so beautiful. Can't wait to read more of her work.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced ebook copy. All opinions are my own.

The White Hare has perfect timing coming out in the Halloween season. The book is not scary and has only a touch of witchcraft. There is a cemetery, a big church, and a few ghosts haunting places but they are keeping most safe. It is set in Cornwall and and that climate reminds me of fall. The Celtic mythology woven through the story. Ms. Johnson’s descriptions of the manor house and the carriage house were vivid. She makes you was to visit the Cornwall country side.

Mila, Magda, and Janie buy an old home to fix up and become a bed and breakfast type place after Mila faces a scandal and flees London. Magda is Mila’s mother. She is trying to protect her daughter and grand daughter but in the beginning she does not get it right. Mila is a good mother to Janie with great patience. Not sure how many people would be receptive to a stuffed rabbit toy with much knowledge or her daughter being taken over by a voice from many years ago. There is a mystery woven through the story that is resolved in the end so the book does not leave you hanging and waiting for the second.

There is much love and friendship in this book. Of course, there are villains past and present. It is a lovely story that will keep you turning pages.

#netgalley #JaneJohnson #TheWhiteHare

The White Hare takes place in 1950s Cornwall, when Mila and her daughter Janey are dragged there from London by Mila's mother, Magda. Mila has found out that her husband is living a double life, so her mother does what she believes is best for Mila and Janey. They move into a centuries-old house on the sea in White Cove. Once they move in and begin renovating, they have strange encounters with a hare. They also feel a strong, watchful presence that seems to be protective rather than threatening. All the while, they keep running into the strange and not always welcoming people of the town, who have their fair share of secrets.

This novel reminded me a lot of the The Lighthouse Witches, but not quite as thrilling and horrific. A great story that combines folklore with hidden secrets and treasures. As the novel goes on, a lot of secrets are unearthed about the women and other characters, making it very enthralling. I almost enjoyed reading the Author's Note at the end even more than the novel! The folklore in some of these ancient locations is fascinating. Definitely a great way to kick off the eerie Fall season!

Arriving at White Cove in Cornwall, Mila and her daughter Janey want to start their new life away from the drama of divorce. The mystical white hare appears to Janey through her Rabbit, seeming to know that both mother and daughter need protection from many hurts. Mystical and mesmerizing, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

There is something so timeless and classical about The White Hare. From the moment I laid eyes on the cover until I finished the very last page was like a trance.

The White Hare is a beautiful story. The three main characters in this book are the daughter, the mother, and the grandmother. While the two books are extremely different, this one still gave me Flowers In the Attic vibes. I adore the mother and daughter characters. I loved the way the grandmother's bad behavior is explained but not excused. We get to see her mistakes, hardships and regrets that allow us to see her as human but in a way that romanticize her behavior. This entire book is just excellently crafted. It has a great plot, a great flow, great characters, just great everything. With a hint of magic this captivating story will steal your heart and make you believe in happy endings.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoy Hallmark movies. It has everything a Hallmark movie lover could ever wish for in a book.

I found The White Hare to be a captivating, magical historical fiction that is perfect for a cozy night in. This is my first book by Jane Johnson, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I loved how atmospheric her writing was throughout the book. I felt like I was actually at the Cornwall setting while reading. The characters were (mostly) likable and relatable, and the story kept me engrossed in the story.
The Author’s Note at the end was worth the read- I love how she wove personal experiences from herself and her family with the history, culture and folklore of the area throughout the book.
Overall, an enjoyable read, especially if you like historical fiction with a magical, witchy theme woven throughout. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

This is one of those books that felt like it was written just for me. A novel built around setting and atmosphere, where local folklore and legends are central to the story made this the perfect read for me. Johnson does a wonderful job of crafting suspense and this, plus the setting on the Cornish coast, reminded me of Daphne du Maurier. The characters feel real and Johnson does a wonderful job of taking her time and letting the reader get to know them. We go on their journey with them as they learn to reconcile the past with the present and it is both beautiful and heartbreaking. This book was filled with magic, both real and figurative

The White Hare by Jane Johnson takes place in Cornwall in the early 1950s replete with loneliness and Cornish superstition, ghosts and all. Mila, her mother, Magda, and her daughter Janey have fled London and used the money they have to purchase this run-down house and refurbish it, ostensibly to open a bed and breakfast. Mila wonders who would be interested in wandering this far afield to stay. Plus, the house is a wreck. It was her settlement, the one her mother had wrenched out of Mila’s “husband.” It turns out he was not her husband as he already had a wife. Mila had loved him and still missed him. She didn’t get along all that well with her mother and it was obvious whose elbow grease was going to bring the house back to its former glory. Janey was a bright little thing and spent her time exploring the area. She has a constant companion, a stuffed rabbit named “Rabbit” who has seen betters days, but she loves him and often spoke through him. There also seemed to be a hanger-on at the house named Jack Lord, who actually was quite helpful, doing much of the repair work himself, as the team they had hired were pretty useless.

What they discovered and where it led them is the bulk of the story, and a terrific one it was. Some of it was “treasure,” and some of it was information. The people nearby came to consider them less as outsiders and more as residents. The plot was well thought-out and interesting. The characters fit the plot to a T and made this a very compelling story, showing how truly unfeeling and self-centered some people can be. Mila recovered from her “marriage,” Magda grew up and found purpose as well as repairing her relationship with her daughter, and Janey continued being the gem she always had been.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The White Hare by Simon & Schuster Canada, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #Netgalley #SimonAndSchusterCanada #JaneJohnson #TheWhiteHare

I really enjoyed this book! The mystery, the history, the home restorations, the family dynamics, the magic, I loved all of it. I wasn't sure about it at first it sounded kind of interesting but mostly the cover got my attention..I think the blurb could have been more exciting. But I'm so glad I took a chance on it. Now I'm going to go back and get more of her books. If you like Kate Morton you'll like this book!