Going Home

Witchwood Estate #1

by Patti Roberts

There's something evil lurking in the woods surrounding Witchwood Estate - Whimsical "TV type episodes" in a book in an ongoing series.

A short story series for all those young at heart... Witches, shape-shifters, ghosts....

Alexandria Santorini learns as a child that she comes from a long line of Harvey witches. Now, as a teenager, Alexandria must say goodbye to Catnip Cottage and the Barnabys, her loving guardians for the last twelve years, and go home to Ferntree Falls to claim her inheritance. Witchwood Estate. The home where she was born and her parents were murdered. Her journey home becomes even more sinister, however, when she discovers that there are those who have other plans for her and her new friends…

Genres: Witches, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Young Adult

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Patti Roberts is an Australian author and book cover designer based in Cairns, Queensland. She is the creative force behind Paradox Book Covers & Formatting and the author of the Witchwood Estate, Paradox, and Return to the Source series, as well as the contemporary drama, Whoever Said Love Was Easy? In the About Three Authors series. Patti writes across genres—from middle-grade adventure to young adult sci-fi and supernatural fantasy—often weaving together ancient mysteries, magical realism, and heartfelt characters.

Her vivid worldbuilding and cinematic storytelling have captivated readers around the world. Patti is also passionate about supporting fellow authors through her design studio, where she creates captivating book covers and interiors that bring stories to life.

When she’s not writing or designing, Patti enjoys creating plant-based food, reducing her footprint on the planet, exploring natural remedies, investigating unexplained phenomena, and envisioning a compassionate future shaped by curiosity, creativity, and consciousness.


Standalone contemporary romance, About Three Authors - Whoever said love was easy?

Non- fiction. Surviving Tracy, featuring true stories from survivors of Cyclone Tracy which devastated Darwin in the Northern Territory in 1974.

Reviews

[Kriss · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off for those of you who are already Patti Roberts fans of her Paradox series, you will know she is a spectacularly imaginative and beautiful author. Where some folks books read like solid dependable working boots, hers read like the gentle and delicate lace adorning your grandmothers couches. They are full of spirit and grace. Each of these types of styles are fine, and I enjoy both. What sets Patti’s into this category is her grace and energy. She truly is a joy to read, and to know. I was thrilled to see her releasing something that I adore, short stories, and to make it better, they were to be part of a whole series.

Sixty-One pages of a splendid short story Now if I read a page per minute that is a hair over an hour of reading, without commercial breaks. Took me a bit longer to finish, but keep up and you will see where I am going with this comparison. The series is slotted to be released one short story at a time, like a TV series, one episode at a time. With each short shining the spotlight into things going on. The first in this is Witchwood Estates – Going Home.

When the scene fades in, our leading girl Alexandri is getting ready to go home to her families estate. She is about to turn 18 and her inheritance needs to be claimed before the home and everything within the estate is lost. Alexandria lost her parents at an early age and was raised by a curious and loving couple, Olly and Martha Barnaby. They taught her about her family heritage, as in she comes from a family of witches and she herself is one too.

All it took was a bit of belief and a drop of her blood and her mothers spell book showed it’s secrets. Opening the book opened her to a whole new world. She didn’t have much time for the kids growing up, in fact they teased her so badly she created an invisibility spell so she could grow up and go to school in peace.

This is my first taste of the TV episodic-like flavor promised to us. So, consider this the pilot episode, and I believe this pilot in the world of whimsy for young-adults and young at heart, as it has been sold. The conventions of the story arc are not complicated. You have good witches, evil witches, wandering spirits.. what will happen next? Well we are going to have to wait till next week month to see!

4.5 stars

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really awesome, This is one of those books that is a fun read and plus a really good book to read. Once I start this book I could not put it down I had to know what happen next. Mr.Barnaby and Ms.Barnaby welcomed Alexandria in there home, the first day Alexandria attended elementary school, the kids would laugh at her and call her a witch. Olly and Martha gave Alexandria her mothers spell book the only way to open was a drop of her blood. The only way for the magic to work is for Alexandria to believe and she did. Alexandria found an Invisibility spell that night be she went to bed Martha helped her with the spell. The next day at school the girls at the lunch table didn't pay any attention to Alexandria. She never made friends growing up. Now Alexandria is all grown up and is leaving to go back to her home town, in Witchwood Estate. On the Way she meets a young man, name Andrew, Alexandria doesn't have to hide who she is from him because she knows what he is, and soon he finds out about her, and they become friends. Andrew is a ghost, not really a ghost, he is what some people might say in-between. Alexandria finds out more about Andrew and Andrew finds more about Alexandra. She offer Andrew if he want to come with her to Witchwood Estate. Doing the ride on the bus an old woman is on the bus and only Andrew notice's that she is different, but he doesn't say anything. Hope I did not give to much away, I really Love this book I could go on about it. Patti Has Done an awesome Job with this book and I can not wait to read book two. If you have not read this book you need to you won't be able to put it down.

[Mindy/fangedmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been thinking of this story all day. I keep getting happy thinking I am going to go home and read more of it but then I remember that I have to wait!

I love the world that author Patti Roberts has created with Alexandria. I love how she so easily accepts who she is and what her new fate is. I love magic. I am so jealous of Alexandria! I want to find out I descend from a long line of witches. This story has NO AGE LIMIT! As long as you have an imagination, this story will whisk you up and sweep you off into a magical world where you have no clue who or WHAT is lurking around the corner!!!!

NOW I NEED BOOK 2 PLEASE!!!!

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short section is a very tantalising look into what promises to be a wonderful book. It has the smoothly competent writing that we've come to expect from Ms Roberts, but the tone of this book is lighter and more humourous than that of the Paradox series. I am very much looking forward to reading the whole book.

[Leslie Hansford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Patti's work. Without trying you are transported and become an invisible observer right in the story. She also makes you feel like you want to be close to her main characters. I will devour this series. Perfect-length installments for the read-a-holic. I will be recommending this series to everyone who has hope, who is adventurous, and has an open mind to fantasy.

[Conny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sooooooooooooooo LOVE it !!
Waiting for the next one please xxx

[Charidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I was suggested to read these books. Patti Roberts captures your attention in the first paragraph. I try to write reviews without being a spoiler but also to do the author and their work justice.

These books are about a young girl who learns that she is a witch, she embraces her destiny with courage and grace. She has just turned 17 and is going home to Witchwood Estate to claim her birth right. Along her journey home there are forces, unbeknownst to her, that are trying to prevent the return of a Harvey Witch to Ferntree Falls and Witchwood Estate.

Patti Roberts' ability to transport you to FernTree and describe her journey from the cottage the young witch grew up in with the Barnabys to her destination at Witchwood is amazing. Not only does she include what looks like the actual parchment the spells are written on, but the second book has a glossary that is thorough and required a lot of research on the author's part. I may even use the glossary for my own homeopathic uses.

The end of each book also leaves you begging for more and with that said I CANNOT wait for the 3rd book in this series "Cursed" to be released. I must also say that I could easily see this series becoming a movie or even better a TV series that would rival other paranormal series. I'm now going to search Amazon for more Patti Roberts books because I ABSOLUTELY LOVE her writing style, imagination and eloquence!!!!!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysterious witch short story

this short story us about a young witch that has no family left and us takin in by the Barnaby. they teach her all she needs to no. at a young age of 9 she learns she's a witch and so was her mother. she his at the age of 17 a few months before he turns 18 left a estate in a town called withhold she plans on turning it into a bead and breakfast. at 17 a few months.th s before she turns 18 she decided to claim it so it's not destroyed. on the bus she meets a boy who she knows is different. he explains he was cursed he goes to the in between drinking hours and he us alive as should be during the night. so Alexandria offers him to her home in withstood so she can try and break the spell. he's looking for his girlfriend who disappeared their way there before he meets Alexandria. little do they no the old women he helped on the bus us a wit h out to steal other wit he's magic to be young again. so as Alexandria gets to the town with Andrew in the in between the story ends with a few new ppl brought I to the story as they are ready to hunt whomever is taking the missing girls. their are 4girls so far but more to come.
a exciting, cute, sweet, endearing story. with a twist of evil and curses. I'm looking forward to book #2

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood's End .... The Journey Begins


This series must be read in order. This is the first book.


This story has loads of flashbacks to help you understand how Alexandria grew up and why she must leave her new home behind and go back to her ancestral estate. The writing is evocative and imaginative and though set in small towns it is on par with many urban fantasy series as well as urban paranormal series. Even though this is a novelette or short story series I truly enjoyed it!


The world contained within this short book series is amazing and visceral. I would recommend it to anyone who reads modern fantasy or paranormal mystery. You never know what will happen next and before you know it the book is over And you want MORE! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have :) I can't wait to read the next episode Witchwood Estate - Ferntree Falls!!!


***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy a bit of a fractured fairytale vibe in their modern paranormal small town fantasy action adventure coming of age suspense mystery thrillers with plenty of intrigue and romance as well as a dash or two of horror :)

[Victoria Stolte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right off the bat Patti peeked my interest. In the first book in the Witchwood Estates we meet Alexandria. She was brought up by the Barnaby's after her parents met a tragic end. The series starts off with Alexandria headed on her journey back to her families house that is in Ferntree Falls, just the name sounds intriguing Witchwood.. She meets a few interesting character's along her way there, and even though she is anxious.. she cannot wait to be "Home". Since these are books in an "Episodic way" they are short, which is the only thing that disappointed me.. It was well written, the character's interesting, and the story moved at a good pace. If you are looking for a good shorter read, with suspense that takes you out of the box.. This is one for you.

[katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightfully magical read ! The only problem it will leave you wanting more like any tv series does.

Witchwood Estate - Is book one in this new Tv series type story , and it is filled with such wonderful Imagery, a world full of Magic and possiblity. And certainly intrigue. A fun short read , for all those who enjoy a lighter read, with wonderfully written characters and a charismatic storyline.


This series is For the young at heart or others who don't fear to dream, and Patti has certainly created a world that you can be pulled within and a storyline and descriptions that are easily envisaged.

I look forward to the next instalment.

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

10*s. I received an eARC copy of this book directly from the author in return for an honest review.

What an awesome and captivating story that has me needing to know more!! The characters so far are lovable and seem to feel very real and very interesting and intriguing. This is a fast paced and well written story that has me wanting to follow these two characters to the end of the world and back just to see where this adventure will take them. A MUST read YA full of mystery, suspense, and paranormal. This book will reel you in right from the beginning. This author really knows how to capture her audience and keep us entertained. Thank you, Patti Roberts, for this soul catching story!!!

[Solease Barner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really left me wanting more. I could not believe how it grabbed me from the start. Alexandria had my attention and I wanted to know more about her. My interest was peeked when she got on the bus. I was on edge with the bus ride never knowing what was going to happen next. I loved the storyline and when the book ended, I tried to turn the page just to see if it was more. I can't wait for the next book to come out. This is a goodread!

[Pamela Stuard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Alexandria Santorini is a witch. She was teased by the children in school because she is a witch. She lived with Mr. and Mrs. Barnaby, then at the age of 17, she learned some witchcraft and went back home to inherit Witchwood Estate, which has been in her mother Felicity's family for centuries. On the bus ride, she meets a boy which whom is a ghost, a in-betweener. Pick up your copy

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a novella before. This is my first. The book has a great storyline. The characters are great. If you love witches,ghosts and others , you will love this. I can't wait to read the next book Witchwood Estates-Ferntree Falls to see the continuation of this series . I give this book 5/5 stars .

[Tiffeny Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book captured my full attention from beginning to end i couldn't put it down until i finished the book from beginning to end and i cant wait to read more about Alexandria and Andrew as she helps him out and he provides her with a friendship. i highly recommend this book to everyone

[Shannon Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patti Roberts is an amazing author who knows how to get readers hooked to a story. The characters are written well and are relatable. This book had me wanting more! I can't wait to read the second book!

[Deborah Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I started reading this book and couldn't put it down. I love the characters and the story line. I also like how Patti ended this book, it's not a cliffhanger, but you will want to read the next book to find out what happens next.

[Tracy O’Sing · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome start to this series.. Full of magic and mystery from the get go.. A quick exciting read, suitable for young and old alike.
Just believe.. Magic can happen. I want more!
Reaching for the next book without delay..

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish it weren't a short story. I loved it and wanted to keep going. I will definitely keep reading the series. Patti has a magical way with words.

[Linda Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME!!! A must read. I couldn't put it down. Great storyline, fantastic characters! I highly recommend!

[Cricket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandria Santorini learns as a child that she comes from a long line of Harvey witches. She has never really had any friends, but she doesn't mind, after all she has Olly and Martha Barnby. She was taken in twelve years ago by the Barnabys after her parents died. Now that Alexandria is almost an adult it is time for her to leave her loving guardians and return to Ferntree Falls and Witchwood Estate her legacy. She hopes on the bus after a long sad farewell and heads to Ferntree Falls. While on the bus she meets a strange boy who isn't really a boy but kind of a ghost but not a ghost. It turns out he was cursed by a witch and he is now looking for his love who has vanished. Things on the bus ride get crazy and Alexandria nearly loses her life. There is an evil witch on the bus and she wants something from Alexandria. The story is very short only 49 pages, but is an excellent introduction to the series. This one is fine for younger reads as well as older ones. Again it is a paranormal book so if you like that kind of book it will be perfect for you. It is also free for Kindle at the moment.

[Susie Fitzwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short read. I love the background through the story and how the author is descriptive in her books so that you can understand the book.The plot also helped to develop the characters to the role that they play through the book. I felt what the characters felt and was sorry what the boy was going through that she meets. I can't wait to see what happens with the rest of the characters and there reactions to who the old lady was. I enjoyed learning about the people that took her in and how they treated her and taught her. If you read this book and like short stories that continue i would recommend this story to you.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A New Series of Witches and Witchcraft"

I don't normally read stories of witches, but this first short episode series enticed me, and I'm glad that I read it. It's a fun read about witches and spells. Alexandria Santorini, 17 years old, learns that she is descended from a long line of Harvey witches. The Barnabys, husband and wife, have been her legal guardians since her parents were killed 12 years previously. They are an older couple who love her dearly and provide a great environment. They are a bit unusual as they both do not go outside into the sun, they work in the garden at night, and when they drive their bright red old pick-up, the windows are tinted black to prevent the sunlight's entry. Alexandria has always been teased and shunned at school and has no friends. As she now approaches age 18, she knows it's time to return to Ferntree Falls, and assume ownership of Witchwood Estate. She'd rather stay with the loving Barnabys at Catnip Cottage, but she now belongs in Fernwood. She realizes there is much to face at the estate, including demons who may be waiting for her arrival. This is an easy read, fun, exciting, and very suitable for young adult readers. There is no closure to this episode, but a new door has opened when she meets Andrew on the bus ride to Fernwood. Stay tuned-in for the next exciting, suspenseful episode of Witchwood Estate!

[Sharon Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Adventure

Loved it

What a wonderful adventure with just a simple bus ride.

I'll admit this was the first book I have read from this author and wondering why I hadn't yet. Patti Dunn Roberts brings such life into her book.

I read this under the perfect surroundings, comfy in bed with it raining outside. I was taken back to the age of 13 when I wholeheartedly felt the same way when I would daydream. Thank you Patti Roberts.

Alexandria Santorini parents die when she is just 5 and she goes to live with The Barnaby's, who raise her with love and tenderness, but also the knowledge she must know since she is a witch. Yep you heard me, she's a witch.
A recurring dream about her mother telling her " she had to return to Witchwood". has her preparing to return to her family's home in Ferntree and Witchwood Estates.

Bags packed and on the bus to Ferntree, Alexandria will meet a sneaky old woman whose really another witch, but more importantly is the young man, whose actually a ghost, yep a ghost really. Andrew. He is a ghost because of a curse a evil witch put on his parents. He is traveling in search of his girlfriend who has disappeared.

Anyway, I am getting ahead of myself and really want to say, go grab this book and come along for the cutest, yet interesting bus ride. I'm off to book 2!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in short episodic style, meaning always leaving the reader wanting more, this is a wonderful series that gives us more than just fantastic characters and a very appealing storyline.

In the first several episodes, author Patti Roberts introduces the characters, giving hints at what is special about each. More will be revealed, to readers and to the characters, as the series progresses. We also learn about special secondary creatures and critters that play important roles, as do the settings and environment.

This first episode explains that (but not why) Alexandria was sent to live with the Barnaby's and why she doesn't have friends as a child. Years pass and it is time for Alexandria to return home.
Much of this episode takes place on a bus.

If you enjoy Patti Larsen's Hayle Coven Family Magic series, or the town of Sage Springs in Hollie Westring's series, you will be drawn into Patti Roberts' novels. Witchwood reminds me of Gray House from the Good Witch tv series. Good vs evil even when you are not sure who the good guys are, or if something is really evil or misunderstood.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in a serial series and it's impressive. Alexandria is about to turn 18 so has decided to return home to Witchwood Estate to receive her inheritance and keep the estate. On her bus trip she meets Andrew, a ghost who lives in the in between after his parents and him, as their first born, were cursed by a witch. He's on his own mission and Alexandria befriends him and offers help.
Enjoyable fast read that promises to be a series starter

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good writing style makes this story interesting, although, it is obviously for a younger readership.

This is the first episode about a young witch attempting to save her ancestral home, while discovering who she is and her place in the world.

Some good character development and a taste of what may come. It has an atmospheric touch with added mystery about the past, present and future.

Worth a look.

[Patricia Burleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This is a good book. It's very short but good . There is magic, mystery,love and in the end a friendship. Also it has a little action but not much. Good story line and good characters. So grab it and enjoy reading.

[Kimberly C. Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had me from page one!

Wasn't sure about this one but it grabbed hold of me quickly and I devoured it! Great story, characters, interactions, and suspense. Twisted ending with the old witch and her pet cock roaches!! Messed up - ready for more!