Member Reviews

This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The amount of theories I had and what it would turn out to be! And yet it got me, and even more than once. It’s spooky, gothic, mysterious. It is a thriller, there’s witchcraft, a sentient house and ghosts. It gave a bit of Gone Girl but make 1800s, We have always lived in the castle and Woman in White.
I don’t know what more can one want for an autumn read. This book did it for me all the way. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

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Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC of The Ravenswood Witch.

This book is very well written! I will definitely be looking into other books by this author. The concept of the story was super interesting and right up my alley. The world building and character discovery in the beginning was well laid out and got me excited for what I was about to read.
However, the story started to nose dive for a long time. Some of the scenes were good but there was a lot of "fluff" and stuff that could have been left out. The book was 293 pages and it wasn't until page 261 that the "who done it" part came to light. That left the most exciting part of the story super rushed along with the wrap up. And at that point I had trudged thru so much that the ending kinda fell flat and I was left saying "oh, ok".
Overall, it was a quick read with compelling characters and a great atmosphere. This is more of a palate cleanser of a book if you need one but not one to rush to the top of your TBR.

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If you like Jane Eyre or the Woman in White, or really any gothic Victorian thriller/horror novel, you're going to love The Ravenswood Witch. Atmospheric, engrossing and thrilling, it grabs you and won't let you go until the end. There were even some twists and turns that I didn't expect, which is unusual in this type of work. Recommended, especially for a cold autumn evening when you can snuggle inside with a cup of tea.

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A woman accused of a crime she didn’t commit is on the run along a slippery riverbank when she quite literally crashes into her knight in shining armor, Marcus Greybourne, who takes her in as his reclusive wife. The woman assumes the identity of Luna Greybourne, all while trying to figure out where the real Luna went and wondering if her new “husband” might be behind it all. Even worse, the real Luna Greybourne is known to the village as the Ravenswood Witch, wreaking havoc on the lives around her. And she’s not happy to be replaced. As the false Luna tries to unearth the truth, strange happenings threaten to drive her away. But magic is only real if you believe in it, right?

The Ravenswood Witch is an intriguing dark fantasy set in 1885. The elements of mystery and dark magic kept me intrigued throughout and I enjoyed the occasional change of POV. The writing style flowed nicely and I thought the plot was pretty unique. I did find the pacing to be a bit inconsistent; the first half of the book was extremely slow, while the second half piqued my attention. And while I was surprised by the twist, the ending unfortunately fell somewhat flat for me. I think I was hoping for a little more thrill and tension with the ending—it seemed to resolve quite quickly.

Overall it was still an interesting plot and may be of interest to readers looking for a nice spooky read in time for fall.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, & Jenni Keer for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Stay turned for the release of The Ravenswood Witch on September 29, 2024.

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Okay, I cannot even form necessary words to convey to you how incredible this book is. Right about this time of year, I start to crave cozy, spooky, gothic-type stories. As much as I hate to admit this, I literally snatched this book up because I loved the cover; it seemed to be just what my mood-reading heart was craving. Let me tell you...I am now forever a Jenni Keer fan.

Set in the late 1800's, the book opens with the main character presumably running for her life. When she crashes into a handsome stranger, she is certain that she is doomed. However, the stranger tells the constable chasing her that she is his wife. He then promises to keep her secret, if she pretends to actually BE his wife...his missing wife. What follows is a fast-paced storyline with raw characters, the spookies, and some mysterious twists-and-turns. A definite recommend!

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In a world full of books it's hard to find something that ticks all the boxes.. When I got my eyes on "The Ravenswood Witch" by Jenni Keer I was immediately drawn to it. Title, cover design and raven ticked my aesthetic requirements even though we are all raised to never judge a book by its cover 😉

Book description
The year is 1885 and a young woman is on the run, knowing if she’s caught, she’ll be hanged for murder. Moments from a safe haven, she collides with a gruff stranger, falling and breaking her ankle.

To her surprise, the man – Marcus Greybourne – convinces the local constable that she is his reclusive wife of ten years, Luna. He carries her back to the neglected and crumbling Ravenswood Hall, promising if she agrees to maintain this charade, he will keep her safe until her injuries have healed.

But the house is haunted by shadows and secrets. What’s more, the real Luna Greybourne is missing, without trace. Scratches and marks made by her around the house suggest witchcraft; and indeed Luna is known locally as the Ravenswood Witch; her reputation in tatters, like the wallpapers of the padlocked rooms she’d destroyed.

As strange happenings in the house continue, outside the screech of a raven echoes across oppressive woods that seem alive with dark magic. And the woman who is now pretending to be Luna can’t help but fear she’s escaped the noose for a far more terrible fate…

My review
I've never heard of the author before but I can assure you that I'm now stalking her on all of the social media to be first to know about her new books 😂. Jenni's writing style is flowing seamlessly between the characters and gives you the feel for the era without making it too heavy. The story delivers not only a good dose of the mystery but also bit of a romance as well as some good life lessons to all of us. One of my favourite quotes from it is "We are none of us truly one thing or the other, but shades of everything in between".
I personally loved it. It felt bit like a fairytale but with so much more in between including jealousy, intrigue, gaslighting even. It's going to be a perfect read not only for the dark and chilly autumn evenings but for everyone looking for a feel good story that will help you to appreciate what you have
Massive thanks to #NetGalley #boldwoodbooks and #jennikeer for the opportunity to read an early copy

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The Ravenswood Witch starts off strong and really pulls you in with its intriguing premise and beautiful writing. The author does a good job of setting the atmosphere and building a world that feels mysterious and full of potential. The characters are interesting, and the story has moments that are genuinely exciting and kept me turning the pages.

That said, the book loses a bit of steam in the middle. While there are some exciting scenes, they don’t always lead to the payoff I was hoping for. This left me feeling a bit underwhelmed at times, especially since the buildup was so good. The ending, in particular, didn’t quite hit the mark for me—I was hoping for a bigger, more thrilling conclusion.

The two main characters had a lot of potential, and there were moments where they really shined (despite a few questionable decisions that raised my eyebrows). I just wish their development had gone a bit further so that I’d be more motivated to root for them.

Despite these issues, there’s a lot to love about The Ravenswood Witch. The writing is gorgeous, and the author’s talent is clear. Even though some scenes felt a bit long or unnecessary, the overall experience was still enjoyable. It’s a book that does many things right, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on everything it sets up.

Overall, The Ravenswood Witch is a good read with strong writing and interesting characters. It has its ups and downs, but if you enjoy atmospheric, character-driven stories, it’s worth checking out.

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Jenni Keer's The Ravenswood Witch is a suspenseful, gothic tale that kept me on my toes. The mysteries build and unravel throughout the novel: who really is the woman running away from a murder charge? what secrets does Marcus keep? who is actually the witch of the woods? and how are Eloise, Rose, and Luna connected? Just when you think you have the answer to one question, a new piece of the puzzle emerges. This book would be great for anyone looking for a witchy, suspenseful read this autumn!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC; all opinions are my own.

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This book definitely delivered on its promise of spooky gothic mystery, with some romance included as well. It took a while for the exposition to get moving, but I read the last half of the book in one sitting. The characters were interesting, largely because they all had secrets. Several twists at the end made the climax very entertaining.

Because I have studied Wicca, I am particular about the way witches are portrayed in literature. I don't go for the stereotype of evil, spell-casting witch. But this book had an interesting take on the witch issue - the prejudices of the various characters allowed us to see the different assumptions made about witches, but the story acknowledged that few of these assumptions are part of actual witchcraft. That said, there was a link between witchcraft and devll worship that bothered me, since traditionally witches were not followers of the devil.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
4 stars book from me. Loved the plot and the storytelling in The Ravenswood Witch and relatable, likable characters,. Loved every single second reading it.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🧂
The Ravenswood Witch by Jenni Keer was a read that left me with mixed feelings. Because it was an ARC, I was excited to dive into the story, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. One of my main struggles with this book was the characters. I found it difficult to connect with them, as they never felt fully fleshed out. Luna, in particular, left me puzzled. I never quite understood her motivation to do the things she did. The characters made it challenging to stay engaged, and I almost didn’t finish the book. However, I pushed through, really wanting to give it a fair review. That said, there were aspects of the story that I appreciated. The twist ending was interesting and caught me by surprise, and the character reveal added a layer of intrigue that I enjoyed. These elements provided some redemption for the story and kept me invested enough to see it through to the end. Overall, The Ravenswood Witch was a decent read, but it wasn’t quite what I expected. While it has its moments, it didn’t fully captivate me, and the characters didn’t do as much for me as I’d hoped. If you’re looking for a light, twisty read, this might be worth a try, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.

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Okay, Jenni Keer, "The Ravenswood Witch" is an absolute gem of a book! I struggled to put this book down and when I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about this book!

From the very first page, I was completely captivated by the enchanting world that Keer has created. The characters are so vividly portrayed, and many are so enduring, yet even at the end of the book when secrets begin to reveal themselves, I found myself shocked and amazed! Keer leaves so many hints and clues along the way, which makes the ending all the more thrilling!

The story itself is a delightful blend of magic, mystery, and heartwarming and tender moments that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The author's writing style and storytelling is simply mesmerizing, and her ability to weave together a tale of family secrets from two different families who collide together and the incredible dilemma they face is truly remarkable. I found myself completely engrossed in the story, eagerly trying to unravel the mysteries alongside the characters.

What I loved most about "The Ravenswood Witch" is how seamlessly it combines elements of a beautiful love story with a touch of the otherworldly. The magical elements are woven into the narrative in such a subtle and believable way that I found myself completely enchanted by the story.

Overall, "The Ravenswood Witch" is a spellbinding read that effortlessly blends magic, mystery, and heart. Jenni Keer has crafted a truly special book that will appeal to those who love a mystical romantasy. I cannot recommend this book highly enough – it's an absolute must-read! I eagerly await more from this talented author!

Thank you SO MUCH to #NetGalley, #JenniKeer, and #BoldwoodBooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. #TheRavenswoodWitch

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This book is the perfect read for spooky season. I couldn’t put it down. There was always another mysterious thing happening and really keeps your attention. If you’re looking for a book with witchy vibes, possible ghost and haunted house, murder, mysterious disappearances and more, then this book is a must read!

This book follows a young girl who is on the run and being accused of murder. She runs into Marcus Greybourne and breaks her ankle. When the constable shows up and inquires about her being the girl they are looking for, Marcus steps in and claims she is his wife, Luna, of 10 years and they are mistaken. He then offers “Luna” refuge in his home if she agrees to take on the role of his missing wife, so that he can still claim her inheritance money.

While staying at the decrepit house, she is convinced she is seeing the ghost of the real Luna and she is leaving her threatening messages to leave or die. The real Luna was accused of being an actual witch and the entire town is a convinced of this. Follow along as the imposter “Luna” tries to uncover the secrets of the house and whether or not she can really trust anyone. Did she escape one terrible fate to stumble upon one much worse?

Thank you NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read the arc copy of this book. I gave this book 4 stars and will be recommending it to others. What a great historical mystery!

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A historical gothic mystery with some cozy magical components & a slow burn subplot that keeps you guessing until the end. Combining a 3rd person pov that makes you suspicious of everyone (even the female main character), ans paranormal elements and small twists throughout creates an eerie gripping read focusing on the taboo subject of witchcraft. Would Recommend🙌🏻

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Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC of The Ravenswood Witch in exchange for an honest and independent review.

This book was perfect for dipping my toe into the start of this years witching season. The Ravenswood Witch perfectly encapsulated everything I want out of a novel (historical fiction, witchcraft themes mixed with romance and a dash of mystery and intrigue). While this was my first book by Jenni Keer, it certainly won't be my last. Her descriptions of the time and the physical location of Ravenswood makes the reader feel as if they are actually there watching everything unfold. I whole heartedly loved that there are two timelines running through this novel, which only adds to the mystery of what's actually happening in present day and keeps the reader guessing as to who our main character "Luna" actually is and what foul deed has happened in her life to send her on the run and land her at Ravenswood under the care of it's mysterious owner, Marcus and his many mysteries that surround him and his prior life.

There were several times throughout the book I thought I had an idea of what was occurring or who was behind the mysteries of Ravenswood, but I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered I had absolutely no idea what twists and turns this book would take and I was more than willing to come along for the ride. I genuinely loved our main characters, Marcus and Luna. They are perfect examples of sometimes good people can do bad things, but that doesn't necessarily make them a bad person.

The Ravenswood Witch was truly a wild ride the whole way through and I very much enjoyed every bit of it. If your interests are peaked by witches, the occult, romance and mystery, I would very much recommend picking this one up this fall season. Grab your book, a cozy blanket, turn on the fireplace, make yourself a hot chocolate, and get comfortable because you're not going to want to put this one down! The Ravenswood Witch is out in stores near you on September 30th!

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The year is 1885 and a young woman is on the run, knowing if she’s caught, she’ll be hanged for murder. Moments from a safe haven, she collides with a gruff stranger, falling and breaking her ankle. To her surprise, the man – Marcus Greybourne – convinces the local constable that she is his reclusive wife of ten years, Luna. He carries her back to the neglected and crumbling Ravenswood Hall, promising if she agrees to maintain this charade, he will keep her safe until her injuries have healed.

But the house is haunted by shadows and secrets. What’s more, the real Luna Greybourne is missing, without trace. Scratches and marks made by her around the house suggest witchcraft; and indeed Luna is known locally as the Ravenswood Witch; her reputation in tatters, like the wallpapers of the padlocked rooms she’d destroyed. As strange happenings in the house continue, outside the screech of a raven echoes across oppressive woods that seem alive with dark magic. And the woman who is now pretending to be Luna can’t help but fear she’s escaped the noose for a far more terrible fate…

This was brilliantly written. I loved the gothic feel, the suspense, the vibes from this novel are top notch. I loved Luna. I loved Marcus. This is one of those books that I won't forget any time soon. If you enjoy gothic paranormal romance, READ THIS BOOK! ❤️

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

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✨ Book Review: The Ravenswood Witch by Jenni Keer ✨

First off, thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.

I had high hopes for The Ravenswood Witch—the premise was right up my alley, and I was excited to dive in. However, I found the first 50% of the book to be a real slog. It took some effort to get through, and I ended up skimming about 10% of it. Things started to pick up around the 60% mark, and that's when I really began to enjoy the story.

For most of the book, I struggled to connect with the characters. Luna, the main character, felt disingenuous to me, and her unreliable narration made it hard for me to care about what happened to her. I even felt like some of the things she experienced were deserved, which made it tough to root for her. Marcus didn’t fare much better in my eyes.

Surprisingly, the character I cared most about was Bran, the raven. I found myself genuinely concerned for his well-being, which kept me invested until the end.

The last 40% of the book was actually quite engaging, and it managed to hold my attention. Because of this stronger finish, I'm giving The Ravenswood Witch 3 stars. Normally, I would have given up on a book that didn't grab me, but since this was an ARC, I pushed through to provide an honest review.

Would I recommend it? Maybe. It just wasn’t my cup of tea until the latter half, but others might enjoy it more. If we'd learned more about Luna earlier on, I might have been more invested from the start. If you’re curious, give it a shot—just be prepared for a slow burn.

🌟 Rating: 3/5 🌟

*This book was an Advanced Reader Copy provided in exchange for honest feedback.*

#TheRavenswoodWitch #JenniKeer #BookReview #Bookstagram #ARCReview #SlowBurn #FantasyReads #Bookish #Netgalley

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New author for me and for my first book it was such a good read. The story of Eloise, Rose and Luna just shows how obsession can turn to desperation and then blame, a young girl running for her life and the chance meeting with a kind man. This book kept me reading when I should have been sleeping and I just didn’t see the reveal at the end coming. Lovely book full of mystery and that wonderful twist at the end.
My thanks as always to NetGalley, Publisher Boldwood Books and Author Jenni Keer for the opportunity of the early read 📚

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Whether you're looking for a fall read or a Halloween novel, The Ravenswood Witch by Jennie Keer is sure to captivate you . The story draws you into a world of mystery and magic, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. The blend of supernatural elements and a compelling mystery makes this book hard to put down—each chapter pulls you deeper into the narrative, making it a true page-turner.

Blurb:
Set in 1885, a young woman fleeing a murder she didn’t commit finds herself at the decaying mansion of Marcus Greybourne, who insists she is his missing wife, Luna. As she recovers, she becomes caught in a web of dark secrets, local witchcraft, and the mystery of the real Luna's disappearance. The eerie atmosphere and supernatural occurrences create a gripping tale that blends mystery and suspense, leaving you questioning whether escaping one danger might lead her into something even more terrifying.

As someone who enjoys mysteries, I found the intrigue in this book particularly engaging. Jenni Keer masterfully builds suspense, and the layers of secrets unravel in a way that leaves you both satisfied and craving more. This is definitely one of those books that will keep you up late, eagerly flipping through the pages to see what happens next.

The book will be published in September 30th and I will definitely want to get a physical copy for my shelf.

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Brilliant! I couldn't put it down! Set in 1885 when witchcraft was still looked on as being an actual thing. People were very superstitious and could turn on each other without much provocation. Ravenswood is a large gothic house on the edge of a wood from which the house draws it's name. Marcus and Luna Greybourne live there and the villagers believe Luna is the Ravenswood witch because of her antics. People avoid the house and it's a sad and lonely place.
Into this comes a young woman fleeing for her life and she crashes into Marcus who rescues her and tells the constable who's following her that she's his wife. He also tells her he'll keep her safe if she pretends to be his wife who is actually missing.
The atmospheric writing and the tension throughout was palpable! There are some fantastic characters, none of which you can be quite sure of. There's also a bird who's a character in his own right and I loved him! Two big twists occur, one I guessed at but the other came out of the blue. I couldn't believe it!! It was a little dragged out in the middle but that didn't bother me.
This is the third book I've read by this author and she's just getting better and better. I'd highly recommend this read!

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an early copy of this book.

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