The Witch of Willow Hall

By: Hester Fox

Narrated by: Lauren Ezzo

Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

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....

©2018 Tess Fedore (P)2018 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited.

Great concept, soppy heroine, missed the mark

Okay, so this book had SO MUCH potential. It has a well thought out backstory for our main family, pretty well fleshed out characters, rich imagery, and an incredibly talented narrator. I think Lydia could have been a real hero, but it seemed like Fox was trying to write her as some Eliza Bennett meets Jane Eyre meets Teen Witch leading lady and it just never hit the mark. I was completely captivated until about 70% through when Lydia just wasn't picking up on things as fast as the reader, she wasn't playing the game against the forces trying to do her harm, she wasn't fighting for what she wanted, and was being a real wet blanket about everything.

I go so frustrated I spent most of chapters 30-34 just screaming "TELL HIM THE TRUUUUUTH!" or "OH GOD STICK UP FOR YOURSELF" or "Well, if you're going to be like this then you don't deserve any happiness anyway!" to my car radio. I mean, top marks for getting that kind of visceral reaction out of me, but it made hearing the story no fun at that point. Definitely skipped over some parts. Happy ending tied up in a nice enough bow.

That said, I wouldn't *not* recommend it.

Too much Angst, ridiculous

I tried, I really did. However, there was nothing to hold onto to make me like Lydia or Katherine. Too much angst than necessary and way too much space between the important parts of the story. The relationship between Emmeline and Lydia was not believable. After 3 hours I grew tired of the infighting between the 2 remaining siblings.

Oy! The WHINING!!!

When you read a story about a witch, even in a period piece, you want to see her becoming empowered. Yes, maybe she's scared of what's going on at first, but you want to see just a little bit of character evolution and development - somewhere - please. Not in this book though! This main character WHINED and moaned and complained until maybe the last 30 minutes, when she didn't really stop whining, she just subsided a bit. Unfortunately the narrator (maybe unintentionally) really seemed to pick up on the tone, and drove the whining home until it got to be like nails down a chalkboard.

This character drove me nuts! Not only did she whine, but she was so stubbornly obtuse! She seemed hellbent on misinterpreting every single thing that happened and turning that misunderstanding into a massive pity party. I was actually yelling "Gimme a break!" out loud as I listened.

Okay, Hester Fox, so maybe you don't want an empowered witch, but for cryin' out loud, there are loads of other options on the spectrum - you didn't have to swing all the way over to snivelling!

The Witch of Willow Hall

Loved it? Yes! I did. I purchased this to read for Halloween but got sidetracked (not book's fault) and finished during holidays. Once time allowed and I had ample time to read, I WAS HOOKED, hanging on every word. The narration is phenomenal and very expressive. Each character was portrayed by the narrator and everyone portrayed was believable, especially when the two sisters begin to quarrel. It's downright chilling. I'd describe this book as historical fiction, historical mystery, historical romance, but not the gushy, lovey-dovey kind, and part historical paranormal. There's enough going on to satisfy an assortment of reading fans. A wealthy Bostonian family is forced to leave their city comforts behind when hideous rumors begin to spread. Mother & Father relocate their three daughters to a mysterious country home. The eldest, beautiful daughter is at the forefront of the rumors that have turned this distinguished family into social pariahs. The middle sister, Lydia, is bookish and quaint. Do not underestimate her. She's inherited unique talents that once had a family member hanged for witchcraft. The youngest child, Emmaline, dreams of mermaids and imaginary friends. Soon, Willow Hall will be filled with sadness, regrets, secrets, and lies so unimaginable that lives become threatened. Only one sister has the strength to confront the spirits that lurk the grounds and halls of Willow Hall. Is she willing to sacrifice everything to protect the person who least deserves it? I gasped out loud at some of the unexpected revelations. What?! This book had a fantastic plot and felt like I was reading one of those good old fashioned books of long ago. Excellent!

Good idea took too long

This book would have been interesting if it wasn’t so drawn out and slow. The plot was great and I would have loved this book if it weren’t for the dragging & nagging. I’m still curious to try another Hester Fox book to see if she gets better at getting to the point

Simply Captivating

After chapter one, I was hooked. I love the story and the characters. This might be my new favorite author.

unimaginative.

It's a well written novel but with very basic ideas and scenarios. Its a very simple love story with not much suspense despite the narrator's voice always hanging with "pre suspense" with an escalating and confused narration.

I want to like it...but gosh I hate this book

Drones on and on, more petulant girls whining than Witchery mystery. The performance wasn’t bad, just cannot get past the writing plus the desperate characters Is just exhausting.

Don't waste your time

I would give this book negative points if possible and now understand why it was on sale. The Witch of Willow Hall holds absolutely no value, imo. None of the characters are admirable or interesting. Seriously could have done without the incest and attempted suicide the author put in the story. It's as if Fox couldn't decide what plot to go with and literally threw everything she could think of at the wall, hoping something would stick. There are tons of better gothic or dark novels out there. I won't be trying anything else by this author after this huge disappointment.

Wonderful storytelling

I thoroughly enjoy this compelling tale. Lovely prose combined with good character development and excellent narration made this story hard to put down.