Book Review: The Witch of Willow Hall | Hester Fox

Haunting, romantic, and atmospheric—Hester Fox’s The Witch of Willow Hall is a deeply engaging gothic historical fiction novel that explores the notion of how we choose to become who we are. Set in the small community of New Oldbury, Massachusetts in the 1800s, this book has a cast of characters that will make you forget where you are and feel like you are part of this town.

About the Book

The Salem witch trials are long past when the Montrose family arrives in New Oldsbury in 1821. Now the thing that terrifies communities is the hint of a scandal that could besmirch their good name. The Montrose’s are the victims of such a scandal, cast out of Boston and into New Oldsbury, where they take up residence in their new country home, Willow Hall.

But gossip still clings to sisters Catherine, Lydia, and Emeline Montrose. Broken engagements, a shattered business relationship, and the shunning of their social circle have left the Montrose’s with no choice but to start over. But all isn’t lost. There are two eligible men in New Oldbury that may just make the Montrose sisters forget about their troubles. And yet, the events of their past haunt the Montrose sisters…

As the series of events set off by that rumor in Boston begin to unfold, a darkness seems to creep in on the family. But there may still be one witch left in Massachusetts—Lydia Montrose. And Lydia will have to learn about her strength as a person, as well as her strength as a witch, if she hopes to save those she loves most.

Reflection

I must admit, I am completely captivated by this book. I found myself forgetting where I was, being transported to that weeping willow tree beside the pond outside of Willow Hall, with the forest looming around me. Though there is a haunting, gothic setting to this novel, it is more historical fiction with a dash of romance than ghost story. But don’t think you’ll escape this book without a few ghosts!

One of my favorite parts of this book are the characters. The sisters themselves are so different and well-developed. The shallow eldest sister Catherine, who may seem narcissistic but has much more depth of character than we first think. The youngest sister Emeline, who desires to be one of the older girls and feels left out by her age. And the middle sister Lydia, taught to believe herself to be plain and only desirable due to her father’s money, only to learn that she has a strength of character and heart that goes beyond the rest of her sisters. Mr. Montrose, who is stoic to the point of seeming absent, until it matters most and we see the love of a father for his family. Mrs. Montrose, whose body has failed her in the wake of a broken spirit following the shame of her family.

And then we have Mr. Barrett and Mr. Pierce—New Oldbury’s most eligible bachelors. Mr. Barrett is as quiet and proper as Mr. Pierce is charming and alluring. If this book delves into any topic, it may be that first impressions may be deceiving, and that outward appearances may only be skin deep. I loved the dynamics between Mr. Barrett, Mr. Pierce, and the sisters. It added a surprising and welcome story line of romance and courtship that was delightful to read!

This book is incredibly atmospheric. Hester Fox has a talent for descriptive writing that really made this book outstanding. The woods were filled with shadows and secrets, pressing in around Willow Hall and becoming a daunting force to enter and leave the manor. And then there was the willow tree by the pond, where so many important points in the story occur. The nature in this book was a character in itself, threatening to work with or against the characters, depending on how they engage with it.

And finally, we have the ending. I won’t spoil anything about the book but I want to state how much I loved the way the ending of this book was written. The last chapter in particular was truly fantastic! It left the perfect tone to end the story on, and left me wanting more from Hester Fox.

Book Besties Approved

I read this book with the 6 Book Besties and we all enjoyed different things about the book! I hope you check out their reviews at the links below. We want to thank the amazing team at Harlequin books for partnering with us on this book. I hope you enjoy it!