Book Review: The House Of The Witch by Clare Marchant

I’m excited to be welcoming Clare Marchant to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, The House of the Witch.

Utterly gripping timeslip historical fiction, perfect for fans of The Witch’s Tree, The Essex Serpent and Weyward.

Now: When Adrianna arrives at the small, run-down cottage, near the sea in rural Norfolk, she can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. Here she can forget her life in the city, and the problems she’s left behind there, at least for a while.

But – like Adrianna herself – the cottage holds secrets. And when Adrianna finds a mysterious bundle of notes hidden under a floorboard, she can’t shake the idea that they’ve been waiting for her. Especially when – in the rambling, overgrown garden – she then finds a strangely-carved stone, drawing her into a centuries-old mystery…

1646: Between her work as the village midwife and the medicines she sells from her cottage, Ursula has no need for a man. But this ideal leaves her unprotected in a world where just one accusation of witchcraft can mean certain death. So when she catches the eye of a powerful new local doctor, she must use every part of her cunning, or risk becoming his prisoner…

Can the two women – their paths bound by place and history – each find the keys to their own destiny?

*****

1646 

Ursula lives alone. After witnessing the death of her mother at the hands of her father, she is determined to make her own way in the world. As the local midwife and healer, she is content, owns her cottage and makes her own money. However, the arrival of Dr. Oliver Bruton threatens the life she has built for herself and all it will take is one accusation. 

2024

Adrianna has fled the pressures of London and plans to spend a sabbatical in Norfolk. She rents a small cottage and as the time goes on, she begins to question where she belongs. When human remains are found in her garden just after she finds a journal belonging to a former inhabitant, the discovery she makes has the potential to change the rest of her life. 

I was excited to be invited onto the blog tour for The House of the Witch. First, the cover is beautiful. Second, the premise of the book is right up my street. 

Both Ursula and Adrianna are women readers have the potential to feel a lot of empathy for and relate to. Both are just trying to find their way in the world. Both come up against obstacles. Ursula’s has more deadly consequences yes, but each have certain forces in their lives trying to control them. 

I wanted to jump in and fight for them both. Clare Marchant has done a good job at creating two characters who are different but also inextricably linked, even through time. Although the two main characters are women, the relationship that builds between them through the centuries is for anyone who has forgotten how important their self worth is and how powerful they can be. 

I am fascinated with the history surrounding witch hunts and it’s obvious the author is too. The way the historical element is woven through this book is amazing, I really felt that these characters and this place could be real. I’m not sure if it’s based on real events but it feels like it. The vividness of the setting and emotion made me feel like I was there, within the story. There were moments where I was mentally cheering and others where I was angry. You know it is tackling important themes, such as the safety of women and gaslighting, when you go through an emotional roller coaster like I did reading this novel. 

There wasn’t a slow moment in this book. The plot unravelled in heartbreaking and yet life affirming ways as each woman began to discover what they were potentially capable of. I don’t want to say much more as I’m really hoping this is a book that makes your summer book list or if you want to get in early on those Halloween vibes. 

If you like your historical fiction full of a captivating plot, likeable characters and a magical feel, The House of the Witch is perfect. 

(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.) 

About Clare Marchant –

Clare Marchant is the author of dual timeline historical fiction.

Her books have been translated into seven languages, and she is a USA Today bestseller.

Clare spends her time writing and exploring local castles, or visiting the nearby coast.

Say hello to Clare on Facebook, X and Instagram. 

The House of the Witch was released by Boldwood Books on 9th August 2024. Click to buy on Amazon and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.