Hmmm, this was an interesting read. I didn't love it and I didn't detest it. I found it slow moving in the beginning. I kept reading hoping it would get better but for me it was just okay. I did enjoy the atmosphere of the book. I could close my eyes and picture myself there. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of the book to review.

A historical novel with a dose of the supernatural, THROUGH THE MIST is a good read with just enough atmosphere and suspense to keep a reader engaged. Set just after World War II in a small village, the book alternates between the perspectives of two women, both of them at a crossroads in their lives. Newlywed Ellen and runaway Iris find themselves uncovering all sorts of buried secrets together, ranging from the occult to murder.

It was a good read, and I'll recommend it, but some of the pacing was a little slow for me and I tend to disengage from multiple narrators. (Side note: Ashford buries the lede somewhat. Don't forget the author's notes at the end of the book. She gives the full historical context of the plot and characters. The amount of detail and extent of the research is beyond impressive. )

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance reader's copy. All opinions are entirely my own.

This book was very creepy in the best way. I really connected with the characters and the setting. I love a story about a spooky house and the mysteries along with it!

I really enjoyed this book. A first time author for me, and I hope to read more in the future. A historical novel with a creepy vibe that was not put down till finished

Beautifully written historical novel that definitely gave me the creeps; reminiscent of the vibes in Mexican Gothic.

I don't normally like historical fiction written in this time period, but the promise of strange happenings and dark secrets pulled me in, and the book did not disappoint. I don't want to say too much because I think the creepiness is in the fact you don't fully know what to expect, but it is certainly a treat for those wanting something creepy and delicious.

I will say that it was a little slow to get going, and also in other places, BUT it is worth sticking it out for the revelations to come.

I’m not really sure how I feel about this book now that I’ve finished. It was a little slow to get into, but it did pick up. I liked the imagery of Cornwall and the way the author described the area. I like Ellen’s character and was rooting for her. I wasn’t a huge fan of Iris though. She felt a little naive and to be honest I just wasn’t that interested in her or her search to learn what happened to her mom. I was interested in Tony’s character, but it felt like we only got a shallow view of him. I would have liked to have a better understanding of his history and motivations. Overall I felt that this was an enjoyable read that didn’t particularly stand out for me. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Through the Mist by new to me author J. Ashford, published by Lake Union Publishing is a historic fiction novel, telling the story of Ellen and Iris. Telling about dark magic, having haunting elements and told in a dual pov it's an intriguing read, 4 stars.
Blurb:
Two women disturb the dark history of a deceptively quiet postwar Cornwall village in a haunting novel.
It’s winter 1947 when newlyweds Ellen and Tony Wylde move into an abandoned Cornish farmhouse overlooking the sea. For both, it’s a new beginning in the country, and together they’re bringing Carreg Cottage back to life. Yet Ellen can’t hide a creeping unease. There’s the ominous iconography painted on their bedroom ceiling, the sinister totem hidden away in the chimney. And Tony seems more familiar with the peculiar villagers than he’s letting on.
Meanwhile, after nearly a decade away, young Iris Bird returns to Cornwall seeking sanctuary in memories and longing for what she lost as a child. It was here that her mother died on the moors under a shroud of mystery and rumor—and was last seen alive in the isolated, long-shuttered cottage the Wyldes now call home.
Discovering more about each other and themselves, Ellen and Iris soon unite in a quest to uncover every dark secret this village—and the West Country mist—holds before it destroys them.

Haunting. Amazing plot. Chef's kiss story. Loved this book so much. I gave it 3 stars because I like to keep my ratings really though.

*3.5 stars ✨

This was interesting. An historical fiction book that has elements of haunting, black magic, and a lot of real historical people. Following two pov’s, Ellen who just moved there with her husband and Iris, who also just moved to St. Ives. Both women will find themselves joining forces to find out the answers that they both seek. It just may not be the answers they want. The writing was excellent and the story interesting, however, it was a slow one.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

This was a creepy, spooky, "grip the edge of my seat" read. When I first read the description, I thought I was in for a treat and boy was I not wrong! Lindsay really created a masterpiece for her readers. I tried to guess what was coming and not once was I correct. The plot twists and the anticipation had me devouring this book in one sitting. Nothing is as it seems! The storyline was engaging and kept you wanting more. The characters have depth and have you rooting for them.

I truly recommend this book for anyone looking to get absorbed into a historical haunting read.

A good and spooky book with dual perspectives. There were not too many shocking revelations, but the story was engaging despite that.