Holly B / Dressedtoread

#BookReview: The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox @HarlequinBooks @HesterBFox @ #6bookbesties

 

 

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My Review:

 

A gothic romance with a mysterious family tree.

The Montrose family is at the heart of this story and they have moved to the country with their three daughters to escape a scandalous family event.  It is 1821 and their new estate is Willow Hall. There are stories about the home and whispers of ghosts and strange happenings. The younger sister, Emeline is quite taken with mermaid stories and now has added ghosts to her list.

The two older sisters, Lydia and Catherine are often at odds and seem to be competing with each at times. Catherine has a secret that could bring dishonor to the family and Lydia warns her to stay out of trouble, but no one can seem to control Catherine. When tragedy strikes, we learn more about the family history, hidden secrets are revealed and ghosts start appearing (one image really spooked me). There are some truly creepy happenings that made me uncomfortable and there was an eeriness that created a sense of dread, although it is not a scary book.

This was more of a gothic romance mystery than a witch story, although we do have some witchy influences. The pace is slow and steady as the story builds and the family secrets are revealed. There are some shocking twists and interesting dynamics that kept me intrigued until the end. I also enjoyed the author’s wonderful descriptive writing.

Fans of gothic tales about dark family secrets with a hint of witchery should enjoy this one!

Available on October 2,2018.

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Book Description:

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…

 

Available on October 2,2018

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20 comments

    • It was actually very different than I was expecting Stephanie! If you love gothic, I feel like this will work well. Look forward to your thoughts.

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      • I’m glad you enjoyed it. Oh I do, lol. I wrote my over 300 page dissertation for my PhD on gothic literature. 🙂 It was an eye opening experience to research, but I just love that vibe.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Amazing review, Holly. Goth is not a genre that I have had experience with but I like the sound of this one and the eerie atmosphere that you mentioned. Interesting that the book is spooky without being scary.

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  11. Wonderful review, Holly! The mermaid stories! I forgot how much I loved that about Emeline. I agree, this is more historic romance than witches, but I loved it! So wonderful discussing this together 💕

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