Book Review: The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

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The Witch of Willow Hall
Author: Hester Fox
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Genres: Gothic | Historical | Mystery
Released: October 2nd 2018
Review Source: Graydon House via Netgalley

For fans of The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman, A Secret of Witches by Louisa Morgan and The Haunting of Maddie Clare by Simone St.James comes an addictive historical debut about strange power, fierce love, family secrets, and how the past haunts us in ways that demand to be seen.

When a scandal sends the affluent Montroses fleeing from their home in Boston and into rural seclusion at the stately Willow Hall, daughter Lydia resents the move. Especially when it becomes obvious that Willow Hall hides dark secrets that no one in the Montrose family anticipated. And when tragedy strikes, the sinister presence lurking in the house and its surrounding woods starts encroaching on the Montrose’s lives. Summoning powers she barely understands, Lydia must engage the forces around her to keep her family safe, while protecting the blossoming love she has with her father’s handsome business partner, John—who has secrets of his own.

The Witch of Willow Hall is a gripping historical fiction with the elements of a classic Gothic novel including thrills, chills, magic and drama. It reminded me of mash-up between The Scarlet Letter and Jane Eyre with the magic of Harry Potter or The Raven Boys thrown in. I truly enjoyed this book.

The Witch of Willow Hall takes place in the 1800s, after the Salem witch trials. When scandal surrounds Lydia Montrose's family, they is forced to flee Boston, and while it's her sister's fault she feels as if she is branded too, like Hester Prynne tarnished those who associated with her in The Scarlet Letter. In the country she discovers a new part of herself, something she thought she left buried as a child, something that scares her. It was really Lydia and her willful obtuseness which frustrated me the most while reading. She would acknowledge her powers or something that happened then turn around and make excuses, pretend it never happened and act surprised when someone else doesn't ignore them as she does. I'm a big fan of character development and I felt that besides Lydia and her sister, John Barret is the only other character with any sort of development. All others seemed static and shallow in comparison.

I loved the mystique of Willow Hall and John Barrett (tall, dark, handsome and brooding...yes, please!) and the overall story was very engaging, but it also felt more like a book to the beginning of a series or duology and many things were left unanswered or open as the book was quickly ended after a long build-up. But there was a great romance in the story which reminded me of those found in the classics like Austen or Brontë novels. The Witch of Willow Hall is a quick and engaging read for anyone who like historical novels with a Gothic and magical twist that keeps you guessing.

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“Hester Fox's THE WITCH OF WILLOW HALL offers a fascinating location, a great plot with history and twists, and characters that live and breathe. I love the novel, and will be looking forward to all new works by this talented author!" --Heather Graham,New York Times bestselling author

"Beautifully written, skillfully plotted, and filled with quiet terror, readers will devour this absorbing, Gothic tale of romance and suspense. Perfect for fans of Simone St James and Kate Morton." -- Anna Lee Huber, the national bestselling author of the historical Lady Darby Mysteries

"Beautifully written, with an intriguing plot full of suspense and mystery, The Witch of Willow Hall will cast a spell over every reader." -- Lisa Hall, author of Tell Me No Lies and Between You and Me

"I was entranced by this intriguing and spellbinding novel with its messages of love and loyalty and being true to who you really are. I hope Hester Fox goes on to write many more such novels--I for one will be buying them." -- Kathleen McGurl, author ofThe Girl from Ballymor 

"With its sense of creeping menace and chilling undertones, this compelling story had me gripped from the first page. The vividly drawn characters cast their spell so convincingly, I couldn't stop reading until I discovered what happened to them. A wonderful debut novel.”--Linda Finlay, author of The Flower Seller

Coming Soon: The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox - 10/2/18

About The Witch of Willow Hall:

For fans of The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman, A Secret of Witches by Louisa Morgan and The Haunting of Maddie Clare by Simone St.James comes an addictive historical debut about strange power, fierce love, family secrets, and how the past haunts us in ways that demand to be seen.

When a scandal sends the affluent Montroses fleeing from their home in Boston and into rural seclusion at the stately Willow Hall, daughter Lydia resents the move. Especially when it becomes obvious that Willow Hall hides dark secrets that no one in the Montrose family anticipated. And when tragedy strikes, the sinister presence lurking in the house and its surrounding woods starts encroaching on the Montrose’s lives. Summoning powers she barely understands, Lydia must engage the forces around her to keep her family safe, while protecting the blossoming love she has with her father’s handsome business partner, John—who has secrets of his own.

“Hester Fox's THE WITCH OF WILLOW HALL offers a fascinating location, a great plot with history and twists, and characters that live and breathe. I love the novel, and will be looking forward to all new works by this talented author!" --Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author

"Beautifully written, skillfully plotted, and filled with quiet terror, readers will devour this absorbing, Gothic tale of romance and suspense. Perfect for fans of Simone St James and Kate Morton." -- Anna Lee Huber, the national bestselling author of the historical Lady Darby Mysteries

"Beautifully written, with an intriguing plot full of suspense and mystery, The Witch of Willow Hall will cast a spell over every reader." -- Lisa Hall, author of Tell Me No Lies and Between You and Me

"I was entranced by this intriguing and spellbinding novel with its messages of love and loyalty and being true to who you really are. I hope Hester Fox goes on to write many more such novels--I for one will be buying them." -- Kathleen McGurl, author of The Girl from Ballymor

"With its sense of creeping menace and chilling undertones, this compelling story had me gripped from the first page. The vividly drawn characters cast their spell so convincingly, I couldn't stop reading until I discovered what happened to them. A wonderful debut novel.”--Linda Finlay, author of The Flower Seller
About Hester Fox:
When not writing, Hester works 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 artifacts, to early American furniture. She 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.

Title: The Witch of Willow Hall
Author: Hester Fox
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Fantasy
Imprint: Graydon House
Pages: 384
On-sale date: October 2, 2018
Format & pricing: Trade paperback (15.99 U.S. / 19.99 CND), ebook ($9.99 U.S / $9.99 CND)
ISBN: 9781525833014

Book Review: Guyliner by J. Leigh Bailey

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Guyliner
Author: J. Leigh Bailey
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genres: Gay Fiction | Coming of Age
Released: October 17th 2016
Review Source: Corvisiero Literary Agency

Seventeen-year-old Connor works his butt off to maintain the golden-boy persona he’s created. He has the grades, the extracurriculars, the athletics, and a part-time job at his dad’s shop… every detail specifically chosen to ensure the college scholarships he needs to get the hell out of the Podunk town where he lives. The last thing he needs is an unexpected attraction to Graham, an eyeliner-wearing soccer phenom from St. Louis, who makes him question his goals and his sexuality. Sure, he’s noticed good-looking boys before—that doesn’t have to mean anything, right?—but he’s got a girlfriend. There’s no room on the agenda for hooking up with Graham, but the heart doesn’t always follow the rules.

As he and Graham grow close, other aspects of Connor’s life fall apart. Family pressure, bad luck, and rumors threaten to derail his carefully laid plans. Suddenly the future he’s fighting for doesn’t seem quite as alluring, especially if he has to deny who he really is to achieve it.

The first thing I was drawn to about this book was that amazing cover. It's perfect for the title and the story it contains inside its pages and super sexy. If those blue eyes don't draw you in, then I don't know what will. Then I was drawn in even more with the title, Guyliner. Then when you read the synopsis and see that there is a soccer eye-liner wearing soccer player, I was sold. 

The author did a really great job with Guyliner. I had never read anything that was just centered around M/M Romance only. I've read books, like J. R. Ward's Lover at Last, that had a M/M romance alongside M/F ones too. It was a nice treat to read something new and like I mentioned, great. I will definitely be checking out more titles that are in this same genre. 

So, Guyliner follows Connor, he is your typical high school athlete that everyone loves and admires. He is the school's all-star catcher for the baseball team and has the perfect girlfriend. Home life is a little hectic but he deals and works with his dad. Connor has his whole future planned out, the one thing he knows is he wants out of his little town when he graduates and he plans to do that via baseball. Then one rainy day in the weight room, Connor meets Guyliner. At first he wonders why this guy is wearing eyeliner but then his thoughts begin to wonder into unknown territory that freaks him out. Why was he just checking out the new transfer student? Needless to say, this freaks him out and he tries to avoid Graham (Guyliner) by all means necessary. But sometimes what you wish, isn't always what happens. Seems that Connor's life plans might be changing very soon. Will Connor maintain on the life plan he has mapped out? Or will Guyliner deviate him? 

I connected with all the characters in Guyliner, especially with Connor and Graham. They were fun to read about. I recommend this book, if you love a good romance and something quick and easy to read. Great book to sit by a fireplace and drink hot cocoa with while wrapped in your warmest blanket. Make sure to check out Guyliner today.

If you are curious or wondering how heavy the M/M gets, It won't make you uncomfortable or squeamish. It's written very tastefully, the author did a great job about that. 

Book Blast: The Best Friend by Shalini Boland + Teaser

OUaT is excited to share this book blast for author Shalini Boland. 

The Best Friend

Author: Shalini Boland

Release Date: October 20th 2016

Publisher: Adrenalin Books

 

They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer . . . Wrong.

Louisa’s new best friend has it all – the house, the status, the money. But she’s also hiding a dark secret. And as Louisa is drawn deeper into her friend’s life, events take a chilling turn . . .

Blog Tour: Beast by Brie Spangler + Pre-Order Campaign

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Beast
Author: Brie Spangler
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genres: Humorous | GLBT | Contemporary
Release Date: October 11, 2016
Review Source: Random House Children's Books

BEAST is a witty, wise, and heart-wrenching novel that will appeal to fans of books by Rainbow Rowell and David Levithan.

Tall, meaty, muscle-bound, and hairier than most throw rugs, Dylan doesn't look like your average fifteen-year-old. Naturally, high school has not been kind to him. To make matters worse, on the day his school bans hats (his chosen camouflage), Dylan goes up on his roof, only to fall and wake up in the hospital with a broken leg, sentenced to group therapy for self-harmers.

Dylan vows to say nothing and zones out at group. That is until he meets Jamie. She's funny, smart, and so stunning, even his womanizing best friend JP would be jealous. She's also the first person to ever call Dylan out on his self-pitying and superficiality. As Jamie's humanity and wisdom begin to rub off on Dylan, they become more than just friends. But, there is something Dylan doesn't know about Jamie, something she shared with group the day he wasn't listening, something that shouldn't change a thing. She is who she's always been--an amazing photographer and devoted friend, who also happens to be transgender. But, will Dylan see it that way?

BEAST has been hailed by Kirkus as “a believable and beautiful human story.”

Beast follows the story of 15 year-old Dylan. He’s over 6 foot 5 inches, extremely hairy, and overall intimidating to look at. He’s had a lifelong struggle with his confidence and finding a girl who thinks he’s remotely attractive. Although, he has been able to avoid the bullying scene for the most part thanks to his popular best friend since early childhood, along with his genius. That, and his worrisome mother who spends her days reassuring him of his wonderfulness.

Pretty early in on his story, Dylan experiences a leg injury. Through discussion, he can’t discern if the injury was really an accident or self-perpetrated. He gets put into a therapy group for self-harmers. Only promises himself one session because he refuses to believe therapy may be something he actually needs. Through this session, he meets Jamie. A girl he can’t seem to wrap his mind around. He is completely enthralled. However, he learns some revolutionary news that may just change his whole outlook on her and his feelings toward her. I’m trying to avoid spoilers!

Overall, their relationship has many ups and downs and I had to remind myself these characters are only sophomores in high school. For the character’s age ranges, they are discussing very relevant, complex, and mature material. It’s is definitely interesting to read and try to understand Dylan’s inner dialogue.

Other conflicts in the book include Dylan’s relationship with his very much dead father, his closeness to his mother, and the realization that his friendship with JP may not be what he always thought it to be. There are different plots and relationships to follow and I feel there can be a situation for everyone to relate to.

I enjoyed the book thoroughly. However, Jamie and Dylan’s storyline had a lot of push-and-pull involved that could come to be a little exhausting at times. And Dylan could be hard character to love. As a reader, you are able to get a grip on each one of the characters and their personality so it does become hard to not love them and be empathetic for their struggle.

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About the author:

After graduating from RISD, I was fortunate to work as a freelance illustrator for several years and built up a great client list. Grosset & Dunlap, Crayola, Stride Rite, Yearling, Dole and several others were wonderful to work with, but working with Knopf was truly awesome because it led to the publication of my two picture books, Peg Leg Peke and The Grumpy Dump Truck. I'm very proud of those two books.

Since taking time off to begin a family, I'm excited to be back in the field and ready to make new work. Represented by Mackenzie Brady of New Leaf Literary.

BEAST pre-order campaign is still GO! Send proof of purchase screenshot & enter to win cool prizes like a drawing of Dylan & Jamie from me! pic.twitter.com/aGTMJvKUKn

— Brie Spangler (@BrieSpangler) October 5, 2016

Book Review: Be Good Be Real Be Crazy by Chelsey Philpot

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Be Good Be Real Be Crazy
Author: Chelsey Philpot
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genes: Contemporary | Romance
Release Date: October 11th 2016
Review Source: HarperTeen

Three teenagers. One road trip. Countless detours. From the author of Even in Paradise comes a story about love, friendship, and finding yourself that is perfect for fans of Paper Towns and Mosquitoland.

When Mia first waltzed into Homer’s small corner of Florida, she changed Homer’s entire world. It wasn’t long before he was hopelessly in love. But now Mia is moving away—and Homer and his younger brother, Einstein, are helping her drive hundreds of miles to her new home.

This might be Homer’s last chance to tell Mia how he really feels. And with so many detours in front of them, anything could happen.

 

This book is the story of a good, wholesome boy who falls in love with a mysterious whirlwind of a girl. Homer and his brother Einstein are living in South Florida with their adoptive dads who run a souvenir shop. One day, Mia walks in with all her charm and gets hired. Homer, a recent high school graduate himself, finds himself falling in love with an 18 year-old pregnant girl, whom his parents adore. Her pregnancy, however, is not a major factor of the overall story, of course it is mentioned frequently, but it doesn’t hinder her character.

The plot of the story thickens when Mia’s houseboat burns down and she decides to decline Homer’s dads’ offers to live with them and find where one of her foster sisters lives across the country and make the road trip herself. Homer and his brother offer to go with her, and the trip begins.

Along the way, these young people face plenty of detours and meet many new characters. One thing I enjoyed throughout this book that this author did, is that every chapter after a new character was introduced she would have a short “parable” about them to explain their background. Which, I felt, made the story a bit more personal.

Eventually, after many events, Mia ends up stealing the vehicle, Einstein gets a broken wrist, and a “bad boy” rock star helps the brothers and a friend made along the way get to a convention, which was one of Einstein’s conditions for joining the road trip in the first place. Mia shows up once more and conflicts are resolved.

I enjoyed the book, it wasn’t at all a bad read - it just didn’t have that umph. I felt a little complacent at times while reading it and I wasn’t rushing to pick it up every time I had put it down.

However, I did my best to not spoil any big events from the plot with too many details, so if you would like to know more, it’s worth giving the book a chance. SaveSave

Hot Cover Reveal: Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl #MarvelYA

Check out this FANTASTIC cover to Margaret Stohl's BLACK WIDOW: FOREVER RED!!!

We are thrilled and dying excited to read this book!!!

The wonderful folks at EW.com shared this cover reveal. Plus you can find an excerpt and Q&A with Margaret Stohl when you visit EW.com.

Enter the world of Black Widow in this thrilling Marvel young adult novel, penned by #1 New York Times bestselling author Margaret Stohl.

This novel features all the thrilling adventure readers will expect from the Marvel brand, backed up by the young-adult cred of #1 New York Times bestselling author Margaret Stohl. Uncover a new side of the Marvel Universe, accessible to old fans and new readers alike, as Stohl weaves an unforgettable story through the world of the Black Widow.

So excited - our #BlackWidow #ForeverRed cover is here! And in @EW! (And on the ARCs you can find at BEA on Friday!) https://t.co/OnHxCno2pq

— Margaret Stohl (@mstohl) May 22, 2015

Book Review: Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross

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Whatever Life Throws at You
Author: Julie Cross
Reading Level: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Sports
Release Date: October 7th 2014
Review Source: Entangled Teen

Seventeen-year-old Annie Lucas is too young to remember her dad’s glory days as a pitcher for the Yankees. So when her father is offered a coaching position with the Kansas City Royals, Annie is intrigued to see the baseball side of her dad. Of course, knowing he’ll be a mentor to hot young rookie pitcher, Jason Brody, certainly makes it more enticing.

After an awkward first meeting with "Brody" involving very little clothing and a much-too-personal locker room interview, Annie’s convinced she knows Brody’s type: arrogant, self-involved, bossy. As her dad grows closer to the pitching phenom, the friction between Brody and Annie increases. But when opening day arrives and it looks like both her dad and Brody may lose their dream jobs, Annie steps up and offers support. She and Brody call a truce that grows into friendship—and beyond. Falling for a rising star who’s quickly reaching a level that involves rabid female fans is not what Annie would call smart, except suddenly she’s getting hints that maybe this crush isn’t one-sided after all. Could someone like Brody actually fall for a girl like her?

Who would say no, to reading about a sexy baseball player? I know I wouldn't. You might say, ehhh I not into sports that's much, no problem! You don't have to a fan of baseball to like this book. But you might become a fan after you read Whatever Life Throws at You. 

Whatever Life Throws at You follows Annie, the daughter of the newest pitching coach for the Royals. With this new job comes several new events. Annie and her dad have to relocate which was a good thing for Annie, that put her as far away as possible from her crazy mother and ex-boyfriend. Its like starting with a clean slate for Annie. But who does Annie run into and play a trick on? The new rookie pitcher signed on to the Royals. Jason Brody is the eighteen year old sexy pitcher from the Kansas City Royals and he comes with a reputation. Or so it seems, Annie sort of wants to find out if it is all true.  

From the second these two meet, the motion was set off. Thing is though, Annie and Jason know they are off-limits to each other. Annie tries to concentrate on her running and Jason on his pitching but when your dad is the coach, you know running into one another is unavoidable. You can't fight the chemistry those two have with each other. So when they finally start to take things to the next level, that's when the fireworks show begins. And it's explosive.

For all the contemporary romance readers, pick this book up. You won't be disappointed. Its has a little bit of everything and then some. The baseball isn't the main focus but it does add meat to the story. The charters will win you over and have you falling in love with them and their story. 

Cover Reveal: #HereWithMe by Heidi McLaughlin + Giveaway

Today OUaT is excited to be taking part in the cover reveal for one of our favorite authors (and friend). Take a look below and check out the AMAZING cover of HERE WITH ME.

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Today we are revealing the cover of the novel HERE WITH ME by New York Times Bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin. The book will be released on Thursday, October 23rd.

Synopsis for HERE WITH ME:

Ryley Clarke has grown up with the military in her blood, with both parents serving their country. Ryley knows the risks of being married to the military. But when the unthinkable happens, and her future husband is killed in action, Ryley can barely survive... until Evan's twin brother, Nate, helps her pick up the pieces.

After serving on a special mission with the military for six years, Evan Archer returns home to find the unthinkable - the love of his life, Ryley Clarke - engaged to his brother, Nate. With Nate on deployment, Evan needs to figure out what happened in his absence, and more importantly, how to win Ryley back from the man he once considered his best friend, but now thinks of as his rival.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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AUTHOR BIO:

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets. During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.