The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

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…

 Publisher: Graydon House | Genre: Historical, Gothic Romance | Source: Publisher  | Rating: 3.5 Cups 

If you’re looking for a historical gothic romance that will chill and thrill, then this is the book for you.

Here’s what’s going on. Fleeing scandal, the Montrose family left their Boston home for their country home in New Oldbury. Although there’s a darkness in Willow Hall that’s calling to Lydia and her younger sister, Emeline, and soon they find themselves caught in its grip. When a tragic accident befalls the family, Lydia soon realizes she must channel the power she possesses to protect herself and her family.

I have some thoughts on this one. Was it chilling, thrilling, and filled with gothic goodness? Yes, yes it was. Did it take a funny turn in the middle and turn into a standard romance? Yes, yes it did.

When I started The Witch of Willow Hall I was hooked. There was mystery, paranormal spookiness, a possible romance, and this amazing atmospheric, gothic vibe that’s been lacking in some of the more recent gothic novels. Lydia and Emeline were getting in touch with their witchy powers that had been suppressed/newly discovered and there was definitely something going on in Willow Hall and the surrounding land.

There was also the strained relationship between Lydia and her older sister, Catherine who was unbearably horrid. Catherine’s selfishness got old fast, as did Lydia’s actions to given in to Catherine’s demands. I wanted to see Lydia take a more assertive role in her life and the things going on around her. The parents were rather useless and I was hoping there would be more of an explanation on why the mother acted the way she did but that never came about.

While this book started as a solid gothic novel, it turned into more of a romance about a third of the way in and it lost that spark that first fueled the plot. I do love a gothic romance but I feel like the drama that came along with the romance took a front seat and drowned the gothic vibe out. There was just so much going on with Lydia and her feelings for John, who was her father’s business partner. Then Catherine flinging herself at every man, John included, while Lydia just let it happen. Then there was the mess with Lydia’s former suitor. It bogged the plot down too much.

There were also a lot of odd actions toward the end and I don’t want to spoil the book so I won’t go into further detail. Although it left me questioning why certain characters didn’t question things before believing them to be true.

I really enjoyed the author’s style of writing but I wish the tone of the book would have stayed that nice gothic tone that was so prevalent in the beginning.  I also wish the ‘witchy’ vibe of this book had developed into something more than what it was. Given the title of the book, I was expecting to see more come about regarding Lydia’s powers. There was also something regarding John that was unexplained.

Overall, this was still a good read and I do recommend it, especially if you’re looking for a spooky romance. I wanted more from this book but I am excited to read more from Hester Fox.