The Witch of Willow Hall

Author: Hester Fox
Genre: Historical Fiction, Supernatural
Type: e-book
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Graydon House
First Published: October 2, 2018
First Line: "1811 - It was the Bishop boy who started it all."

Book Description from GoodReads: Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there’s still one witch left in Massachusetts. But she doesn’t even know it.

Take this as a warning: if you are not able or willing to control yourself, it will not only be you who suffers the consequences, but those around you, as well.

New Oldbury, 1821 -- In the wake of a scandal, the Montrose family and their three daughters—Catherine, Lydia and Emeline—flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall.The estate seems sleepy and idyllic. But a subtle menace creeps into the atmosphere, remnants of a dark history that call to Lydia, and to the youngest, Emeline.

All three daughters will be irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves. For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end

My Rating: 2 stars

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

After spending a week in Boston and Salem, Massachusetts last month I was eager to read this book set in the same area, featuring a gorgeous cover and witchy plot. Alas, there was not much witchiness to be had on these pages.

This book hints at supernatural elements but, ultimately, is a historical read set in the 19th century that focuses on too many different issues (romantic angst, familial scandal, death, paranormal elements …) but these issues didn't come together smoothly.  From the book's blurb, I was expecting things to go bump in the night, spooky happenings and the tension of a character worrying about being exposed as a witch. Some of these aspects are incorporated (strange powers, dark family history, ghosts) but they don't have much bearing on the plot, which seemed to lack purpose and tension. The anachronisms that are sprinkled throughout ("I lost my cool") didn't endear this book to me either.

If you're looking for a historical romance with a hint of paranormal, this will be for you. But if you're wanting a gothic read with loads of ghosts, ghouls and witches this Fall, you may be disappointed.