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Hedge Witch:
From bestselling author Joanna van der Hoeven comes a new paranormal romance series, Witches of the New Forest!
BOOK 1 (WITCHES OF THE NEW FOREST): HEDGE WITCH
A small village is turned upside-down when two sisters arrive in the heart of the New Forest, England. This is the new series by Joanna van der Witches of the New Forest. Welcome to Burley, where myth and magick meet.
SERIES In the little village of Burley deep in the New Forest there is a very magickal secret. On the surface, Burley is a tiny tourist spot with interesting shops, history and folklore. But underneath that exterior can be found very real, very magickal and very powerful practitioners of the art. Many outsiders believe that Witchcraft is a gimmick to get the tourists in, and for the most part the magickal community are happy to let people make that assumption. Those that have lived there long enough, however, understand and keep quiet in order to protect the hereditary lines of the five magickal families that live there. For these powerful families are the ones who truly know exactly what Burley a magickal and liminal place where myth and legend come to life. But the dynamic between the old families is suddenly shifted with the arrival of newcomers. How may the fate of all be changed?
HEDGE WITCH Two Canadian sisters, Hunter and Ryder, inherit their aunt’s property on the edge of Burley. As they try to decide what to do with their inheritance, they make friends and begin to discover the secrets of this special place. They start to learn about magick, and how it is linked to their own heritage. But tension between the five magickal families is increasing, and suddenly the sisters find themselves swept up in a mysterious adventure that challenges them on every level imaginable.
This is the first part of Hunter’s story. Hunter is the careful and cautious elder sister. A university professor specialising in history and folklore, she is familiar with some of the history of the area but knows that there is always so much more to learn. However, her world is turned on its head when she discovers not only her family legacy, but also the extent of her own powers as a Hedge Witch. Her guarded heart is opened by the love of a Druid whose life’s work is in dedication to the land, and whose encouragement to come into her own power changes her life forever.
If you
*Mystery
*Romance
*Coming into your own power
*Paranormal adventures
then this is the series for you!
Praise for Hedge Witch:
"Captured my heart - loved it!" Amazon 5 star review (UK)
“Compelling and beautifully written.” Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"The best book I've read for a long time. Very readable, strong story line, a good sense of geographical place and interesting characters .When you have finished, you will definitely want to read the sequel!" Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"I could not put this book down, hence the five star rating. I loved the storyline, the magic, both Druidic and Witchcraft." Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"Absolutely brilliant book, very beautifully written with compelling characters and story. I highly recommend." Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"I got lost in the story and it made a great escape. I felt as though I was there in the story at times. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series!" Amazon 5 star review (Canada)
"The story is absolutely enchanting while also being quite educational. Trust me when I say that this book is entirely worth every cent it costs.
BOOK 1 (WITCHES OF THE NEW FOREST): HEDGE WITCH
A small village is turned upside-down when two sisters arrive in the heart of the New Forest, England. This is the new series by Joanna van der Witches of the New Forest. Welcome to Burley, where myth and magick meet.
SERIES In the little village of Burley deep in the New Forest there is a very magickal secret. On the surface, Burley is a tiny tourist spot with interesting shops, history and folklore. But underneath that exterior can be found very real, very magickal and very powerful practitioners of the art. Many outsiders believe that Witchcraft is a gimmick to get the tourists in, and for the most part the magickal community are happy to let people make that assumption. Those that have lived there long enough, however, understand and keep quiet in order to protect the hereditary lines of the five magickal families that live there. For these powerful families are the ones who truly know exactly what Burley a magickal and liminal place where myth and legend come to life. But the dynamic between the old families is suddenly shifted with the arrival of newcomers. How may the fate of all be changed?
HEDGE WITCH Two Canadian sisters, Hunter and Ryder, inherit their aunt’s property on the edge of Burley. As they try to decide what to do with their inheritance, they make friends and begin to discover the secrets of this special place. They start to learn about magick, and how it is linked to their own heritage. But tension between the five magickal families is increasing, and suddenly the sisters find themselves swept up in a mysterious adventure that challenges them on every level imaginable.
This is the first part of Hunter’s story. Hunter is the careful and cautious elder sister. A university professor specialising in history and folklore, she is familiar with some of the history of the area but knows that there is always so much more to learn. However, her world is turned on its head when she discovers not only her family legacy, but also the extent of her own powers as a Hedge Witch. Her guarded heart is opened by the love of a Druid whose life’s work is in dedication to the land, and whose encouragement to come into her own power changes her life forever.
If you
*Mystery
*Romance
*Coming into your own power
*Paranormal adventures
then this is the series for you!
Praise for Hedge Witch:
"Captured my heart - loved it!" Amazon 5 star review (UK)
“Compelling and beautifully written.” Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"The best book I've read for a long time. Very readable, strong story line, a good sense of geographical place and interesting characters .When you have finished, you will definitely want to read the sequel!" Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"I could not put this book down, hence the five star rating. I loved the storyline, the magic, both Druidic and Witchcraft." Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"Absolutely brilliant book, very beautifully written with compelling characters and story. I highly recommend." Amazon 5 star review (UK)
"I got lost in the story and it made a great escape. I felt as though I was there in the story at times. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series!" Amazon 5 star review (Canada)
"The story is absolutely enchanting while also being quite educational. Trust me when I say that this book is entirely worth every cent it costs.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2024
92 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Joanna van der Hoeven
24 books111 followersJoanna van der Hoeven was born in Quebec, Canada. She moved to the UK in 1998, where she now lives with her husband in a small village near the coast of the North Sea.
Joanna is a former Trustee of The Druid Network. She has studied with Emma Restall Orr and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. She has a BA Hons English Language and Literature degree.
She is regularly involved with charities and working for her local community.
Joanna is a former Trustee of The Druid Network. She has studied with Emma Restall Orr and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. She has a BA Hons English Language and Literature degree.
She is regularly involved with charities and working for her local community.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 27, 2024
This book is a unique blend of witchy romance, mystery and non-fiction facts. The author is very knowledgeable on real life witchcraft and druidry and this definitely shows in her work, making it not only a fun little witchy read but also a book you can learn from.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book as it begins as a slow burn romance but transforms into so much more with plenty mystery and action packed into just 270pages.
I found it really quick and easy to read and the characters are a great mix of personalities so there's someone for everyone to relate to.
My only criticism is that it did take me about 40pages to get into just because it was a little too heavy on the facts at the start and felt more like a non-fiction book. However, once the book found it's rhythm and balance I absolutely flew through it and had a really good time.
This is ideal to cosy up with on a winter night and immerse yourself in a world of witchcraft. Perfect for lovers of both fantasy and romance with great Charmed vibes.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book as it begins as a slow burn romance but transforms into so much more with plenty mystery and action packed into just 270pages.
I found it really quick and easy to read and the characters are a great mix of personalities so there's someone for everyone to relate to.
My only criticism is that it did take me about 40pages to get into just because it was a little too heavy on the facts at the start and felt more like a non-fiction book. However, once the book found it's rhythm and balance I absolutely flew through it and had a really good time.
This is ideal to cosy up with on a winter night and immerse yourself in a world of witchcraft. Perfect for lovers of both fantasy and romance with great Charmed vibes.
November 9, 2024
Must buy!!!!
The first time I read a book from this beautiful writer was when she came out with Falcon wing. It was a wonderful book so when she announced that she had written a new book of fiction I just had to have it. So now I do. Both Kindle and paper back versions. The story is absolutely enchanting while also being quite educational. Trust me when I say that this book is entirely worth every cent it costs. I can't wait for the next installment to come out! Way to go Jo!!
The first time I read a book from this beautiful writer was when she came out with Falcon wing. It was a wonderful book so when she announced that she had written a new book of fiction I just had to have it. So now I do. Both Kindle and paper back versions. The story is absolutely enchanting while also being quite educational. Trust me when I say that this book is entirely worth every cent it costs. I can't wait for the next installment to come out! Way to go Jo!!
July 29, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. I'm a witch myself, the story had potential and all the elements I like (witches, fae, mystery etc.), and I have ties to the New Forest (my partner was born there, my mother-in-law still lives there, and I really love the place), which I think is the perfect backdrop for a witchy story, but...
Although the story itself is interesting, the book is so poorly written that it’s difficult to enjoy.
I'll start with the typos and lack of editing. I noticed it's self-published, and I couldn’t find any mention of an editor, which is a problem in itself. It's very clear that it hasn’t been properly edited or proofread. There are far too many typos and repetitions. For example:
"It made Hunter sad as well as uncomfortable talking about their mother’s disappearance. Ryder had never really known her mother, as Ryder was only two when their mother went missing."
The word “mother” is repeated three times in just a few lines. This kind of thing happens throughout the entire book, along with typos like “but’s it’s”, etc. It was quite distracting.
Then comes the main issue: there’s no inner monologue from any character. I would expect at least some insight from the protagonist, Hunter, but throughout the book we’re only told what she does, not what she thinks or feels. Although we are repeatedly told that she enjoys staring at Jack’s bottom 🤷🏻♀️ that part is made very clear. This made her feel like an insipid character. All we know is that she’s introverted, and she barely speaks throughout the story. But as an introvert myself, I know how rich and complex our inner world can be, so I felt something was missing. I never really got to know or like the protagonist.
Another issue is that the two sisters, Hunter and Ryder (I’ll overlook the questionable name choices), find out very early on that their mother was a witch, and so are they, and they barely react. They instantly begin learning witchcraft without questioning anything and are instantly full of incredible powers. While that might make sense for Ryder, who was already into Wicca, it doesn’t quite fit with Hunter, who we’re told had no previous interest in such things.
The pacing of the story also feels rushed. The two sisters befriend everyone in the village within a couple of days, Hunter falls in love with Jack almost immediately, and within a week he’s already telling her he hopes she’ll stay so they can have a future together…
As I said, I really wanted to enjoy it, but I just couldn’t, due to all these issues.
One extra thought: I know the author writes non-fiction about witchcraft and druidry, and while this is clearly fiction, it's obvious she draws from her own experience. I didn’t enjoy the mention of karma in witchcraft, it doesn’t belong in Western spirituality, and using it this way feels like cultural appropriation.
I was unsure whether to read the rest of the books in this series, but sadly I’ve decided not to. Reading this one wasn’t the enjoyable experience I hoped for and I found myself focusing more on what didn’t work than on the story itself. I strongly recommend that the author work with an editor and proofreaders for her future fiction projects.
Although the story itself is interesting, the book is so poorly written that it’s difficult to enjoy.
I'll start with the typos and lack of editing. I noticed it's self-published, and I couldn’t find any mention of an editor, which is a problem in itself. It's very clear that it hasn’t been properly edited or proofread. There are far too many typos and repetitions. For example:
"It made Hunter sad as well as uncomfortable talking about their mother’s disappearance. Ryder had never really known her mother, as Ryder was only two when their mother went missing."
The word “mother” is repeated three times in just a few lines. This kind of thing happens throughout the entire book, along with typos like “but’s it’s”, etc. It was quite distracting.
Then comes the main issue: there’s no inner monologue from any character. I would expect at least some insight from the protagonist, Hunter, but throughout the book we’re only told what she does, not what she thinks or feels. Although we are repeatedly told that she enjoys staring at Jack’s bottom 🤷🏻♀️ that part is made very clear. This made her feel like an insipid character. All we know is that she’s introverted, and she barely speaks throughout the story. But as an introvert myself, I know how rich and complex our inner world can be, so I felt something was missing. I never really got to know or like the protagonist.
Another issue is that the two sisters, Hunter and Ryder (I’ll overlook the questionable name choices), find out very early on that their mother was a witch, and so are they, and they barely react. They instantly begin learning witchcraft without questioning anything and are instantly full of incredible powers. While that might make sense for Ryder, who was already into Wicca, it doesn’t quite fit with Hunter, who we’re told had no previous interest in such things.
The pacing of the story also feels rushed. The two sisters befriend everyone in the village within a couple of days, Hunter falls in love with Jack almost immediately, and within a week he’s already telling her he hopes she’ll stay so they can have a future together…
As I said, I really wanted to enjoy it, but I just couldn’t, due to all these issues.
One extra thought: I know the author writes non-fiction about witchcraft and druidry, and while this is clearly fiction, it's obvious she draws from her own experience. I didn’t enjoy the mention of karma in witchcraft, it doesn’t belong in Western spirituality, and using it this way feels like cultural appropriation.
I was unsure whether to read the rest of the books in this series, but sadly I’ve decided not to. Reading this one wasn’t the enjoyable experience I hoped for and I found myself focusing more on what didn’t work than on the story itself. I strongly recommend that the author work with an editor and proofreaders for her future fiction projects.
December 9, 2024
Witchy and esoteric inspired literature (‘witch lit’) has rapidly established itself as a popular genre over the past few years, with many publications gracing the shelves of bookstores. However, in amongst these many books, there are but a handful that are genuinely grounded in thorough knowledge and understanding of traditional witchcraft and Druidry practices. ‘Hedge Witch’ is one of these publications, although this will come as no surprise to those who already know Joanna van der Hoeven as a non-fiction authority on Hedge Witchcraft and Druidry. Her first book in this new fictional series is thus credible due to its grounding in esotericism – but also because it’s set in an actual place (the New Forest), which means fantastical elements of the storyline are played out against a backdrop of reality. The characters are convincing and while they are developed at different paces (by necessity), there is clearly scope to focus on many of the various individuals that appear in this first volume – and potential for a series that can take us in a number of different directions. But for now, this (together with the next two volumes) is Hunter Williams’s story. A well-paced plotline with romantic interest, some evocative descriptions of the natural world and, due to the character’s Canadian nationality, an outsider’s view of what life in an English village is like – very good for reminding us here in the UK of the wonder of our natural heritage, myths and legends and the importance of preserving these. In many ways this book is all about boundaries: the sisters who through circumstance are pushed out of their cultural comfort zone and into English village life; the subtle existence of witchcraft that underpins the village yet needs to remain under the public radar; traversing from our world to Otherworldly places; crossing personal boundaries and making oneself vulnerable. And, of course, crossing boundaries always comes with consequences – and so the volume ends on a cliffhanger which needs resolving. The human malevolent forces are depicted mainly through conversation between characters (with only very brief face-to-face encounters), while the Otherworldly characters are suitably aloof and sinister. It will be interesting to see how these ‘shadow’ characters are developed as the story progresses in the following books. Read and enjoy!
October 23, 2025
Hedge Witch completely drew me in from the very first page. Joanna van der Hoeven has crafted a world that feels both ancient and alive where myth, magick, and the quiet pulse of the natural world blend into something deeply moving and authentic.
The village of Burley is painted with such care that you can almost smell the forest air and hear the whisper of old secrets beneath the trees. Hunter’s journey from a cautious academic to a woman awakening to her own power is told with tenderness and insight. I loved how her story intertwined with the Druid, creating a balance between love, lore, and personal growth.
What makes this book truly special is how real the magick feels. It’s not just spells and mystery it’s the connection to the land, ancestry, and inner transformation. Joanna van der Hoeven clearly writes from a place of deep knowledge and respect for the craft.
If you enjoy stories that mix folklore, family legacy, and spiritual awakening, Hedge Witch will captivate you completely. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the Witches of the New Forest series takes us.
The village of Burley is painted with such care that you can almost smell the forest air and hear the whisper of old secrets beneath the trees. Hunter’s journey from a cautious academic to a woman awakening to her own power is told with tenderness and insight. I loved how her story intertwined with the Druid, creating a balance between love, lore, and personal growth.
What makes this book truly special is how real the magick feels. It’s not just spells and mystery it’s the connection to the land, ancestry, and inner transformation. Joanna van der Hoeven clearly writes from a place of deep knowledge and respect for the craft.
If you enjoy stories that mix folklore, family legacy, and spiritual awakening, Hedge Witch will captivate you completely. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the Witches of the New Forest series takes us.
December 8, 2024
I loved the characters in the book, they were believable and likeable. You quickly become invested in their story. The setting in the New Forest was wonderful and has made me think of visiting it as soon as I can. You could feel the magic form the authors words. I'll be looking out for further book in this series.
April 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!
The story is captivating & gripping from the off!
A real page turner!
You can’t help but love the characters their strengths & weakness
As I grew up in the area & very familiar with Burley & the surrounding places I really felt like I was reading about my homelands
Can’t wait to start the next book in this series!
The story is captivating & gripping from the off!
A real page turner!
You can’t help but love the characters their strengths & weakness
As I grew up in the area & very familiar with Burley & the surrounding places I really felt like I was reading about my homelands
Can’t wait to start the next book in this series!
Read
June 6, 2025I really enjoyed this book, as I live just outside Burley I felt connected to the story. I liked the plot and how everything was described gave a good picture of the setting. What I didn’t like was the two names chosen for the main characters, they jarred right through the book. The reason given for how they were named didn’t do it for me, personally I would have liked more magickal names.
February 24, 2025
Loved this book. As I live local to Burley. Just started the second book in the series.
March 26, 2025
Very well written. Has a very nice flow and plot, which makes it very easily to get into the action, and imagine everything.
May 21, 2025
Fun!
Really enjoyed this story and looking forward to diving into book 2! An easy, fun read with interesting info as well.
Really enjoyed this story and looking forward to diving into book 2! An easy, fun read with interesting info as well.
August 31, 2025
Great book I will be purchasing the second book in the series
October 16, 2025
Amazing read!!
I was drawn in from the very beginning. Beautiful story of the love between a daughter and mother. I can't wait to read book 2.
I was drawn in from the very beginning. Beautiful story of the love between a daughter and mother. I can't wait to read book 2.
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October 23, 2025interesting
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews