"The Cornish Witch" by Elena Collins is a dual-timeline novel intertwining the lives of two women separated by centuries but connected through the mystical aura of Cornwall. In the present day, Grace, seeking solace from personal turmoil, retreats to a quaint Cornish cottage. As she settles in, she becomes increasingly aware of the lingering presence of a woman from the past. This connection leads back to the 18th century, where the story of a woman accused of witchcraft unfolds.​

Both timelines are well crafted, and drew me in to the atmospheric beauty of Cornwall's rugged landscapes and rich history. The novel delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the enduring strength of women facing societal challenges. The historical narrative sheds light on the harsh realities faced by women labeled as witches, while the contemporary storyline explores healing and self-discovery.​

While the dual narratives are compelling, the transitions between timelines can occasionally be abrupt. However, this does not significantly detract from the overall immersive experience. "The Cornish Witch" is a poignant tale that seamlessly blends historical fiction with supernatural elements, making it a recommended read for those who appreciate stories of resilience and the mystical ties that bind past and present.

Overall thoughts: This book was incredibly enjoyable. The jumps back and forth between the 17th century and modern times were really well spaced and kept me utterly interested in both time periods. I never got bored or overwhelmed by either side of the story. The world building (even if it is our world) was also outstanding. With the exception of how far apart the 17th century dwellings were until midway through, I could easily picture the towns in both time periods in my minds eye with such clarity. That really helped me get into the story.
However, because the first 3/4 of the books were so lush I do wish the ending was a bit more thorough. I wanted more from the relationship between the main modern female and a certain aloof person she meets, also more from the solution to the characters problems. But it's not a major issue when you want more of a book right? Strong, strong book and I'm thrilled this was my introduction to this author.

What made my weirdo heart happy: Learning new things. Like what a scolds bridle is. Even if it was creepy. The book seems heavily researched and I loved that.

Will I read more books by this author?: Yes. Absolutely.

Would I recommend this book to a friend?: Yes, Especially those that love history, witchcraft, and/or charming village settings. Maybe not if you get easily spooked because I did get the heebie-jeebies reading this alone in my room at night. Just a little bit.

Set in the coastal village of St Mawgan in Cornwall, this is a blend of old and new between events of 1625 and the present day. Megan arrives to holiday and search for her half sister and is fascinated by the chill atmosphere and stories of apparitions in the old pub where she's staying. Four hundred years ago some of the rooms were fisherman's cottages that witnessed events that have left a lingering presence. A very atmospheric read with a lovely setting and sympathetic characters.

I’ve read every one of Elena Collins books, and she just gets better and better.

I adored The Cornish Witch. It’s a beautifully atmospheric duel timeline novel with a story of 17th century life in Cornwall, and a contemporary story of love, friendship and ghosts.

The historic timeline sets the scene for the novel and digs into the story of Susanna, a mother who offers healing to the people in her village, and Katel, her teenage daughter. They live alone, but are well liked and have plenty of support. Susanna is a Peller, a healing woman, and is always on the look out for how she might help the people in her community. But there is another local woman, Tedda, who is believed to be a witch and Katel is fascinated by her. Susanna does everything in her power to protect her daughter and to keep her away from Tedda, but when things go wrong she is unable to stop the rumours of witchcraft. This is a story full of strong emotion, warmth, ice-cold bullying, sacrifice and grief.

In the present, Megan goes on holiday to St Mawgen in Cornwall hoping to surf and bump into the half sister she’s only just discovered. She books a room in The Ship, without realising that most of the bedrooms in the freezing cold pub are haunted. There are lots of ghost stories in St Mawgen, not least the Waiting Witch who can be seen on the edge of the cliff and has a reputation for killing men out alone at night. Megan is in the only room that’s not haunted and she quickly falls in love with the Inn, the village and the people. She does her best to help the new owners of the Ship to build their business, but she can’t help dwelling on her ghostly encounters there, and wondering how the ghosts in the Inn might connect to the Waiting Witch on the cliff.

The Cornish Witch is a heart warming story with fabulous characters and lovely relationships, but it’s also a ghost story that sent a chill down my spine. The hauntings were beautifully told, with so much compassion and subtlety, taking me right back to old buildings I’ve visited myself. This is a wonderful story with plenty of feel good vibes running alongside the chills. I absolutely loved it, and can’t wait to see what Elena Collins writes next.

The Cornish Witch by Elena Collins

I love , love , love books by this author , she is the queen of dual timeline fiction . I've read them all and really look forward to when she has a new title out.

Set in 1625 and present day in a Cornish fishing village. A modern-day inn is at the centre of the action.

The events in 1625 means that there are souls unable to rest. The lost souls,are having an impact on the inn now in present day. .
The women were cruelly accused of witchcraft when in fact all they did was help the sick and help women during childbirth.

Great characters , brilliant plot , and it was totally believable about a time when many women were persecuted .

A wonderfully written dual timeline story. You really feel for the characters. I would highly recommend it.

What an amazing book. This was definitely a book that I didn't want to put down. Nice short chapters, characters that you fall in love with and a gorgeous backdrop to engage in. I loved the time hopping and viewpoints of these characters. History and witches one of my favourite kinds of books. This book will leave you wanting more. I am certain going to read more for this author.

The Cornish Witch by Elena Collins is a marvellous dual timeline novel that consumed me from the start.
The action is set in 1625 and present day in a Cornish fishing village. A modern-day inn is at the centre of the action.
Tragic events in 1625 means that there are lost souls unable to rest. These spirits cause havoc in present day as they want everyone to suffer as they did. Present day owners of the inn are losing trade due to the restless spirits.
In 1625 there are women accused of being witches. They are in fact midwives with knowledge of herbs and plants. Locals believe they are causing mischief.
In present day there are a mother and daughter who run a new age shop in Minehead who also believe in the healing power of plants.
A shipwreck on the sea bed has lain there undiscovered for four centuries until a pair of divers come along. The Cornish coast is littered with wrecks as smugglers used to lure ships to their doom.
There is the theme of mothers and daughters in both time periods. We witness the strong bonds.
Sins from the past lure their heads. We witness that something beautiful can be born from tragic events.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and believable. They were easy to empathise with.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Cornish Witch. Elena Collins has spun another marvellous tale. Her books spring to life under her descriptive pen. She is a masterful storyteller, whether writing under Elena Collins or Judy Leigh, all her books are first class. I always know that when I pick up one of her tales, it will be a cracking story.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

The Cornish Witch
By: Elena Collins

5 Stars

This was a story of a cornish small village and the tales that make it infamous. Megan finds out she has a long lost relative, which brings her to the small village of St. Mawgen. While there, she finds ghosts and tales that will stay with her longer than just for her holiday. She meets new friends and learns the tragic history of this small fishing village.

This was a beautifully written blend of past and present. The mysteries of the present slowly explained with the tales of the past. It was so well done. I am all about ghost stories, but this was so much more. It was magic and mystery. It was myth and legend. It was tragic and hopeful. It was a very well told tale. The characters were well done and brought the reality of the times. They were easy to love, easy to feel for. The scenery was descriptive and beautiful. I absolutely loved this book. Start to finish it had me hooked and swept up in both the past and the present of a Cornish village.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review

Grab this one or any of the author’s books at curl up and enjoy the wild ride. You won’t be disappointed.
It makes a change to read a book that makes you feel good and is entertaining ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #thecornishwitch #netgalley

Follow this dual timeline story where two worlds collide in very different ways!

I wanted something a bit different to my normal reads and the vibrant sunset in this cover drew me into the book.

Since reading this book and looking online for others from this author I’ve noted that Elena Collins is a pen name for Judy Leigh who writes romance books.

This is a poignant novel that brings together social history, folk lore and genealogy into one beautiful novel. I often find dual timelines that are so different to each other are very difficult to get right but this author has!

I’d recommend this book to everyone to try!!

I have always loved Elena's stories but this one was my absolute favourite. Timeslip novels are my go to genre, I just love the merging of time lines and the people it involves but this wonderful story with witches in Cornwall will be hard to beat, thank you

This is a dual time line book. The present day and 1625. I loved the atmosphere of 1625, witchcraft and simple remedies, and a strong character in Susanna. The tension builds as the story progresses, and bad things keep happening. In the present day, there is a haunted hotel and a family member to be found. It was great how the two stories interconnected, and even if you don’t believe in the supernatural the story is still intriguing. If you enjoy historical fiction you'll enjoy this book. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy to review.

Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the ARC of The Cornish Witch. I enjoyed it so much and am sad to be finished with visits to St. Mawgen. The dual timeline was written so well and the story came together at the end beautifully. It was a perfect mix of romance, history, mystery, and family. The characters were interesting and I could.feel the difference between the timelines in language and traditions.

The Cornish Witch is another fascinating, atmospheric, paranormal mystery romance from Elena Collins. A dual timeline novel of secrets from both past and present. Our modern day heroine, Megan is the one to put it all together and solve the centuries old mystery along with the current one by bringing two separated families together with their members. The stories unfold slowly giving us a chance to get to know the characters and understand the trials they face. There are some complex threads to unravel and the journey of both are intriguing and mesmerising. The two timelines cross over in the finale and we are given a wonderful conclusion to a dramatic and sometimes heartbreaking plot: though there is tragedy in both times, rectification is possible so that restoration can begin.

When Megan’s father receives a letter that divulges a secret from the past, he is quite shaken and not sure what to do. He eventually unloads his worries with his daughter with whom he shares a close relationship and she offers up a solution. She will go to the Cornish Village of St Mawgen Cove to unravel the mystery for him but under the guise of a surfing holiday. When she lands at the Cove and checks in at The Ships Inn, she is soon captivated by another mystery that surrounds the accommodation and St. Mawgen community. Yes, there are ghosts with bad odours, wailing and other strange sounds that go bump in the night. These paranormal activities certainly set her on edge but her desire to help those spirits left behind, drives her forward to solve a centuries old mystery. Elena gives us lots of clues, vivid imagery and accounts of events to keep us turning the pages as we move from one timeline to the next, and learn about the past villagers of the 1600s while keeping our eyes open on the present.

The second timeline set in 1625 delivers interesting characters such as Susanna, the villager’s choice herbalist-healer, a single parent who lives with her daughter Katel. The father of Katel is unaware of his offspring but as Katel grows up, many strange things begin to happen as she is drawn into the circle of a woman who may be a witch. Many misfortunes happen and the villagers are looking for someone to blame. And when the topic of witches arises, Susanna knows that her daughter’s association with Tedda (accused of using witchcraft to evil ends) means she is no longer safe. Quickly the world around her begins to crack as explosive accusations fly.

This is a story about broken hearts, secrets, misunderstandings, the strength of a mother’s love and how it may take centuries for healing to come. But I am happy to say the novel, though often sad, ends on a high note: with all mysteries solved, not only for those from the past but also for Megan and her family in the present. There’s even a new romance on the horizon for our modern day heroine!

For those who love Elena’s previous paranormal novels, you will enjoy this one as well. I was charmed by the characters and appreciated both timelines equally. I also loved how the past slides into the present ending in a grand finale. An enthralling, spellbinding dual timeline from a much loved author once again! 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.

A woman investigates a family mystery in a Cornish village, uncovering secrets from the past that connect her to a 17th-century mother and daughter accused of witchcraft. She must unravel centuries-old heartbreak and find peace for them both. The book is well-written and a good choice if you’re looking for women’s fiction with supernatural elements.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

I was so excited to receive an ARC of The Cornish Witch, having previously loved The Witch’s Tree by Elena. As a big fan of historical fiction, I was immediately drawn to this dual-timeline story, which follows Megan in present-day Somerset as she travels to Cornwall to uncover a newly discovered family connection. While staying at an old pub in St Mawgen, she finds herself caught up in local legends and ghostly occurrences. The town is said to be haunted by a witch, and the pub itself holds eerie secrets that seem to be costing the owners business.

The historical timeline takes us back to the 1600s, following healer Susanna and her daughter Katel in this same Cornish village. Their story unfolds with themes of mystery, persecution, and resilience.

I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of history, witchcraft, and the supernatural—right up my street! The story flowed beautifully, and I was absorbed in both Megan’s and Susanna’s worlds. My only slight critique is that the ending felt a little flat. However, that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. I’d rate this a solid 3.5 ⭐️stars, and I’ll definitely be reading more from Elena Collins in the future!

I truly felt as if i had been taken back in time and was a fly on the wall for the entirety of this novel. The level of description and detail takes the reader on connected journeys between the past and the present while integrating the mysterious retelling of the history within this book. Regarding the history, I am always a sucker for ghost stories and witches, and this novel had both in spades which kept me turning pages rapidly. I loved the characters embodying these roles as well, their stories made the reader root for and connect to them while feeling the emotions along with the characters as they lived. I would absolutely recommend this book to others, it pulled the heartstrings and easily kept my interest throughout its entirety which I believe are indications of a well-written novel. The author did an amazing job with this historical fiction piece and to anyone who is intrigued by this description even a bit: READ IT.

Elena Collins has crafted an engaging story in *The Cornish Witch,* blending history, mystery, and the supernatural into an emotional read. The novel shifts between the present and the 17th century, following two women connected by fate as they seek truth and peace.

Megan travels to St Mawgen Cove to unravel a family secret but finds herself caught in something much older and creepier. The Ship Inn, with its eerie atmosphere, is perfect for this tale. Meanwhile, in 1625, Susanna and her daughter Katel face the dangers of superstition and fear, highlighting the precarious reality for women accused of witchcraft.

Collins’ lyrical writing paints a vivid picture of Cornwall’s rugged beauty and its heavy past. With themes of injustice, resilience, and the bond between mothers and daughters, *The Cornish Witch* is a haunting yet uplifting read that lingers long after the last page. Fans of historical fiction with a supernatural twist will be captivated.

Another great read fro Elena Collins who is fast becoming one if my preferred authors.
The dual time-line started off slowly and then the story came together to produce a very satisfying read that I didn't want to put down.
The part set in the past was very atmospheric and all the characters, both past and present, were highly believable and well rounded.
I would highly recommend this book.