New Release+Review: The Witch Of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

Shelly's Book Corner received a review copy from Harlequin and voluntarily provided an honest review. This does not affect the opinion of the book or the content of the review.

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…

Review: 

Since it’s October and Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, I’ve been trying to read more spooky reads. Lydia growing up has always know she was different and her family has been ousted due to a scandal. The story follows Lydia as she adjusts in her new town and deals with her dreadful sister, Catherine. Her parents are distant and she’s more of a mother to her younger sister, Emeline. There were several revelations in this story that I didn’t see coming and it had my jaw dropping. One revelation was very sad and it rugged at my heart strings.

I liked the story but I was hoping for more supernatural elements. It was mainly a romance book with a few suspenseful elements thrown in. I wanted more and needed more supernatural. It would have been nice to see Lydia really come into herself and her new found powers. The last few chapters of the book felt rushed and in my opinion that’s when things really started to come together.

Overall this was a good debut novel by Hester Fox. The story flowed, the plot held my attention and this book was a refreshing and different. I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author.

About the Author:

Hester Fox comes to writing from a background in the museum field as a collections maintenance technician.

This job has taken her from historic houses to fine art museums, where she has the privilege of cleaning and caring for collections that range from paintings by old masters, to ancient artefacts, to early American furniture.

She is a keen painter and has a master’s degree in historical archaeology, as well as a background in Medieval studies and art history. Hester lives outside of Boston with her husband and two cats.

The Witch of Willow Hall is her debut novel.