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The Haunting Season for Love and Witches
Sometimes the heart you’re looking for is already dead
First, she was called a witch. Now, they call her stupid. Eilidh wants nothing more than to spend her days working on her flower arrangements, but people call her a pariah. She’s always seen them—seen more. Ghosts. But ghosts were not what put her on the town’s List of Shame, a new movement that is destroying girls’ reputations. Scotland is changing, and if Eilidh is not careful, she will burn like the old ways they came to purge. When a new love takes root where she least expects, and it is all but what she needs, Eilidh will have to decide exactly how far she’s willing to go to save her life.
Or not.
The Haunting Season for Love and Witches is a story about the thin line between love, deceit, obsession, and one’s perpetual cost of being true to oneself.
First, she was called a witch. Now, they call her stupid. Eilidh wants nothing more than to spend her days working on her flower arrangements, but people call her a pariah. She’s always seen them—seen more. Ghosts. But ghosts were not what put her on the town’s List of Shame, a new movement that is destroying girls’ reputations. Scotland is changing, and if Eilidh is not careful, she will burn like the old ways they came to purge. When a new love takes root where she least expects, and it is all but what she needs, Eilidh will have to decide exactly how far she’s willing to go to save her life.
Or not.
The Haunting Season for Love and Witches is a story about the thin line between love, deceit, obsession, and one’s perpetual cost of being true to oneself.
314 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2025
34 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 16, 2025
4 ⭐️
This was such an unexpected surprise and I ended up feeling way more connected to the characters than I though I would.
Even if sad and with its heartbreaking moments, this was a beautiful story. Eilidh and Marjorie relied so much on each other, one living and wanting to escape her world and one dead and wanting to live the live she never got to, and I loved seeing them get closer and fall in love with one another.
I was already expecting the ending to be sad, but somehow I didn't expect for it to be this deep and emotional, really pulling with the two main characters’ love story.
This was such an unexpected surprise and I ended up feeling way more connected to the characters than I though I would.
Even if sad and with its heartbreaking moments, this was a beautiful story. Eilidh and Marjorie relied so much on each other, one living and wanting to escape her world and one dead and wanting to live the live she never got to, and I loved seeing them get closer and fall in love with one another.
I was already expecting the ending to be sad, but somehow I didn't expect for it to be this deep and emotional, really pulling with the two main characters’ love story.
February 20, 2025
4,5 + 💜
Este foi um livro que eu pode ver a ser desenvolvido, já muitooo para o fim, mas sinto que o pouco que acompanhei fez com que o esperasse com imenso entusiasmo.
Esta vai ser a review mais pormenorizada que já fiz, mas quero deixar tudo o que penso bastante explícito.
Em relação a escrita:
ISABELLE YOU HAVE A GIFT, achei a escrita super bonita, senti-me transportada para a irlanda antiga e o quão tu me tocaste com alguns quotes não está escrito, além disso, super cativante, super fluida.
Sobre a história:
Amei, achei super interessante toda a dinâmica, mesmo que seja heartbreaking, tudo fez sentido e os capítulos extra são perfeitos e super necessários (se ficaram tão obcecados com a marjorie como eu, concordam) e acho que a altura em que a mesma se passa está super bem encorporada.
Gostei muito do facto de só descobrirmos toda a verdade do mistério no “último capítulo”.
Também quero acrescentar que foi um livro que ficou no meu pensamento, não apenas enquanto o estava a ler, mas mesmo durante o dia a dia, dei por mim a pensar imensas vezes em certas cenas e mesmo a pensar nelas enquanto ouvia música.
A única coisa de que tenho pena é de que o livro não seja maior, não digo que houvesse necessidade, mas deixou me a querer mais
Sobre as personagens:
Eu amei as duas, sem dúvida alguma, amei o facto de serem super diferentes, mas acabarem por se identificar, sem falar no facto de que ambas tem personalidades fortes e mesmo assim são completamente diferentes.
A tensão entre as duas é literalmente palpável e acho que nunca vou superar que elas não tenham tido uma chance enquanto vivas.
RESUMINDO: obrigada isabelle por teres acreditado em ti, you did so right my baby 🩷
Este foi um livro que eu pode ver a ser desenvolvido, já muitooo para o fim, mas sinto que o pouco que acompanhei fez com que o esperasse com imenso entusiasmo.
Esta vai ser a review mais pormenorizada que já fiz, mas quero deixar tudo o que penso bastante explícito.
Em relação a escrita:
ISABELLE YOU HAVE A GIFT, achei a escrita super bonita, senti-me transportada para a irlanda antiga e o quão tu me tocaste com alguns quotes não está escrito, além disso, super cativante, super fluida.
Sobre a história:
Amei, achei super interessante toda a dinâmica, mesmo que seja heartbreaking, tudo fez sentido e os capítulos extra são perfeitos e super necessários (se ficaram tão obcecados com a marjorie como eu, concordam) e acho que a altura em que a mesma se passa está super bem encorporada.
Gostei muito do facto de só descobrirmos toda a verdade do mistério no “último capítulo”.
Também quero acrescentar que foi um livro que ficou no meu pensamento, não apenas enquanto o estava a ler, mas mesmo durante o dia a dia, dei por mim a pensar imensas vezes em certas cenas e mesmo a pensar nelas enquanto ouvia música.
A única coisa de que tenho pena é de que o livro não seja maior, não digo que houvesse necessidade, mas deixou me a querer mais
Sobre as personagens:
Eu amei as duas, sem dúvida alguma, amei o facto de serem super diferentes, mas acabarem por se identificar, sem falar no facto de que ambas tem personalidades fortes e mesmo assim são completamente diferentes.
A tensão entre as duas é literalmente palpável e acho que nunca vou superar que elas não tenham tido uma chance enquanto vivas.
RESUMINDO: obrigada isabelle por teres acreditado em ti, you did so right my baby 🩷
June 1, 2025
★★★★½ - 4.5 stars
Remember when I said Yumi and the Nightmare Painter was my most annotated book? Well, it’s not. It’s this one right here.
This book is filled with beautiful quotes, I wish I could share with you all I’ve annotated.
First of all, Isabelle, I’ve told you this already but your writing is magnificent. It is so unique and poetic. It’s remarkably beautiful.
I felt everything I was reading. The pain, the sorrows, the injustices, the fear, the connection, the love.
It was easy for me to connect with the characters. They’re so well written. Eilidh was the one I related to the most but I felt a connection with Marjorie too.
Eilidh is a fierce and stubborn person and I loved her. She just wants to be herself and to be loved for who she is.
Marjorie is such a beautiful soul. She loves deeply and you just love her back instantly. Marj is amazing and I just wanted to hug her 🫂
I really enjoyed the religious aspect of the book. I could connect with some parts and understand the characters opinion on the matter so well.
I cried so much reading this book but it was so worth it. It hurts but this is how it was supposed to be and you can understand why and it makes sense. It is heartbreaking nonetheless.
💜
Remember when I said Yumi and the Nightmare Painter was my most annotated book? Well, it’s not. It’s this one right here.
This book is filled with beautiful quotes, I wish I could share with you all I’ve annotated.
First of all, Isabelle, I’ve told you this already but your writing is magnificent. It is so unique and poetic. It’s remarkably beautiful.
I felt everything I was reading. The pain, the sorrows, the injustices, the fear, the connection, the love.
It was easy for me to connect with the characters. They’re so well written. Eilidh was the one I related to the most but I felt a connection with Marjorie too.
Eilidh is a fierce and stubborn person and I loved her. She just wants to be herself and to be loved for who she is.
Marjorie is such a beautiful soul. She loves deeply and you just love her back instantly. Marj is amazing and I just wanted to hug her 🫂
I really enjoyed the religious aspect of the book. I could connect with some parts and understand the characters opinion on the matter so well.
I cried so much reading this book but it was so worth it. It hurts but this is how it was supposed to be and you can understand why and it makes sense. It is heartbreaking nonetheless.
💜
July 6, 2025
i fear I’m going to need therapy now
April 7, 2025
4,25⭐️
“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓂𝑒, 𝐸𝒾𝓁𝒾𝒹𝒽 𝒦𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒷𝓇𝒾𝒹𝑒.”
Wow. I’ve been following Isabelle’s journey for a while, and I knew her book was going to be good—but this story completely shattered my expectations.
While I usually prefer a writing style with more explicit details to fully grasp what’s happening in certain scenes, I found myself deeply drawn to Isabelle’s approach. She crafts an atmosphere so rich in emotions that every moment feels tangible, even without excessive detail. Instead of overcomplicating the narrative, her prose carries a simple beauty that makes the story easy to immerse in while still exploring complex—and often painful—topics.
The character development is incredibly vivid. It’s so easy to get to know them, to care for them, and to become attached. But what makes it even more heartbreaking is witnessing their downfall. The story does not shield us from their destruction, and even when we know what’s coming, nothing truly prepares us for just how devastating it will be.
In the end, it wasn’t the Gods. It wasn’t Nature. It wasn’t fate. None of these immortal forces stopped this love from flourishing. It was human hands that tore them apart, ensuring they never stood a chance. And perhaps that’s what hurts the most—knowing that we, ourselves, are the root of so much destruction and hate.
“𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝑒, 𝑀𝒶𝓇𝒿𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒. 𝐼 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊’𝒹 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒷𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓉𝓌𝒾𝓈𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒.”
“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓂𝑒, 𝐸𝒾𝓁𝒾𝒹𝒽 𝒦𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒷𝓇𝒾𝒹𝑒.”
Wow. I’ve been following Isabelle’s journey for a while, and I knew her book was going to be good—but this story completely shattered my expectations.
While I usually prefer a writing style with more explicit details to fully grasp what’s happening in certain scenes, I found myself deeply drawn to Isabelle’s approach. She crafts an atmosphere so rich in emotions that every moment feels tangible, even without excessive detail. Instead of overcomplicating the narrative, her prose carries a simple beauty that makes the story easy to immerse in while still exploring complex—and often painful—topics.
The character development is incredibly vivid. It’s so easy to get to know them, to care for them, and to become attached. But what makes it even more heartbreaking is witnessing their downfall. The story does not shield us from their destruction, and even when we know what’s coming, nothing truly prepares us for just how devastating it will be.
In the end, it wasn’t the Gods. It wasn’t Nature. It wasn’t fate. None of these immortal forces stopped this love from flourishing. It was human hands that tore them apart, ensuring they never stood a chance. And perhaps that’s what hurts the most—knowing that we, ourselves, are the root of so much destruction and hate.
“𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝑒, 𝑀𝒶𝓇𝒿𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒. 𝐼 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊’𝒹 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒷𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓉𝓌𝒾𝓈𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒.”
March 6, 2025
The Haunting Season for Love and Witches is a devastatingly beautiful novel that weaves love, loss, and the weight of societal judgment into a haunting sapphic story.
From the first page, the writing is breathtakingly lyrical, immersing us in Eilidh’s own world. The prose is a spell of its own, conjuring an atmosphere thick with longing and fear, and the romance is tender yet laced with an inevitable ache, heightened by the fact that one of them is a ghost - an element that makes the story feel doomed from the start, yet impossible to look away from. It’s inevitable that readers will root for them, however cursed they might be, and the story keeps you lingering until the very last sentence (might I add, the extra chapters were a very nice touch).
And if my words aren't enough to convince you, maybe Isabelle's will be:
«Maybe her sadness called to mine, but she looked so thorn that my interest was picked»
«Let me be yours in every way for as long as I exist»
«Fate wasn’t kind, but it was fair enough to let me find her»
«I think you’d always be my fate in every twist of this life»
From the first page, the writing is breathtakingly lyrical, immersing us in Eilidh’s own world. The prose is a spell of its own, conjuring an atmosphere thick with longing and fear, and the romance is tender yet laced with an inevitable ache, heightened by the fact that one of them is a ghost - an element that makes the story feel doomed from the start, yet impossible to look away from. It’s inevitable that readers will root for them, however cursed they might be, and the story keeps you lingering until the very last sentence (might I add, the extra chapters were a very nice touch).
And if my words aren't enough to convince you, maybe Isabelle's will be:
«Maybe her sadness called to mine, but she looked so thorn that my interest was picked»
«Let me be yours in every way for as long as I exist»
«Fate wasn’t kind, but it was fair enough to let me find her»
«I think you’d always be my fate in every twist of this life»
April 7, 2025
First and foremost, thank you so much Isabelle for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!! I’m just beyond proud.
May I say I have never read a book so whimsically and beautifully written? This lyrical writing style created such a dreamy atmosphere and at the same time a melancholy that almost forced you to feel the character’s pain. Speaking of that, it was a though one. Bittersweet, doomed and heartbreaking love. But in the uttermost best way.
To be honest, I don’t read many sapphic books and I was a little torn if it would be for me, but oh well, these intense feelings of our characters just draw you in. Not only the relationships between characters, but also the world building including ghosts, this gloomy religious elements and still a whimsical outline of nature.
Chef’s kiss.
If you’re looking for a beautiful story, a detailed scene setting, strong characters and a big fat heartbreak, this is definitely for you!! Also had to think of Margaret Rogerson once or twice, but still so very unique.
Loved it from beginning to end, a very special book to me.
May I say I have never read a book so whimsically and beautifully written? This lyrical writing style created such a dreamy atmosphere and at the same time a melancholy that almost forced you to feel the character’s pain. Speaking of that, it was a though one. Bittersweet, doomed and heartbreaking love. But in the uttermost best way.
To be honest, I don’t read many sapphic books and I was a little torn if it would be for me, but oh well, these intense feelings of our characters just draw you in. Not only the relationships between characters, but also the world building including ghosts, this gloomy religious elements and still a whimsical outline of nature.
Chef’s kiss.
If you’re looking for a beautiful story, a detailed scene setting, strong characters and a big fat heartbreak, this is definitely for you!! Also had to think of Margaret Rogerson once or twice, but still so very unique.
Loved it from beginning to end, a very special book to me.
April 10, 2025
4.5⭐️
«I loved to hate her. I loved to envy her. It made my pain feel valued. It was one of the few things that did.»
This book was such a heartbreak in a good way. The book is set in the fifteen hundreds and witch accusations are becoming more often and dangerous. Our main character Eilidh can see ghosts. And when she then starts seeing the ghost of the girl she hated, things change.
Troughout the books Eilidh and Marjorie’s chemistry grows more and more and i love them so much. I really enjoyed the writing style and the story and i had such a fun time reading it.
This book broke me and made me cry on the buss so thank you for that 😂😭 💖
«I loved to hate her. I loved to envy her. It made my pain feel valued. It was one of the few things that did.»
This book was such a heartbreak in a good way. The book is set in the fifteen hundreds and witch accusations are becoming more often and dangerous. Our main character Eilidh can see ghosts. And when she then starts seeing the ghost of the girl she hated, things change.
Troughout the books Eilidh and Marjorie’s chemistry grows more and more and i love them so much. I really enjoyed the writing style and the story and i had such a fun time reading it.
This book broke me and made me cry on the buss so thank you for that 😂😭 💖
April 9, 2025
4.25⭐️
AQUELE FINAL?!?! Senti tudo, VIVI tudo! Tão bem escrito😭😭😭
Este livro foi um agarro na garganta que te obriga a calar e ouvir a tragédia. Obrigada à autora pela ARC em troca de uma review honesta.
🥀 Amor proibido e slowburn
🧚 Scotland, durante a caça às bruxas
🪷 Cheio de natureza, amor a flores e atmosférico
💜 Sapphic love, só que… ela é um fantasma!
🎻 É como se ouvisse música clássica trágica enquanto lia
É a trágica história de Eilidh, uma rapariga rejeitada pela sociedade que não sabe se deseja pertencer ou fugir; e Marjorie, que foi personificação da luz do dia em vida, mas manteve secreta uma importante parte de si e acabou por morrer cedo de mais.
Admito que não percebi bem todo o ódio que a Eilidh teve à Marjorie no início do livro, pelo que essa parte da relação pareceu-me mais superficial.
No entanto, a prosa lírica e a atmosfera mais medieval durante a época de caça às bruxas só adicionou à tragédia que se estava a montar, e dei por mim com o coração nas mãos 🥹 E O FINAL?!?!
Este livro é para quem gosta de narrativas mais quietas, sussurros num dia nublado ou uma história para relembrar num dia de primavera. Para quem gosta de contemplar, de seguir o pensamento das personagens (ao invés de plot cheio de ação) e conectar-se profundamente, não apenas com elas, mas com os sentimentos que pairam no ar ao ler. A atmosfera deste livro é extremamente vívida e rica, evocando imagens e sensações.
Apesar da introspeção da Eilidh me parecer um pouco repetitiva a meio do livro, achei muito profunda e crua a conexão de ambas, o desenvolvimento da Eilidh ao longo da história e, especialmente, os sacrifícios que estavam dispostas a fazer uma pela outra 🥹🥀
Li a review da tbr.book.s no Instagram, e ela disse algo que eu sublinho: é uma tragédia de amor, na qual duas almas gémeas foram separadas, não pelos deuses ou pela natureza, mas por humanos e os seus preconceitos.
Sem dúvida vou seguir a carreira da autora e mal posso esperar para ver que futuros projetos ela nos trará! Com finais bittersweet? 👀
Agora vou comprar a cópia física para pôr na estante 😌🥀
AQUELE FINAL?!?! Senti tudo, VIVI tudo! Tão bem escrito😭😭😭
Este livro foi um agarro na garganta que te obriga a calar e ouvir a tragédia. Obrigada à autora pela ARC em troca de uma review honesta.
🥀 Amor proibido e slowburn
🧚 Scotland, durante a caça às bruxas
🪷 Cheio de natureza, amor a flores e atmosférico
💜 Sapphic love, só que… ela é um fantasma!
🎻 É como se ouvisse música clássica trágica enquanto lia
É a trágica história de Eilidh, uma rapariga rejeitada pela sociedade que não sabe se deseja pertencer ou fugir; e Marjorie, que foi personificação da luz do dia em vida, mas manteve secreta uma importante parte de si e acabou por morrer cedo de mais.
Admito que não percebi bem todo o ódio que a Eilidh teve à Marjorie no início do livro, pelo que essa parte da relação pareceu-me mais superficial.
No entanto, a prosa lírica e a atmosfera mais medieval durante a época de caça às bruxas só adicionou à tragédia que se estava a montar, e dei por mim com o coração nas mãos 🥹 E O FINAL?!?!
Este livro é para quem gosta de narrativas mais quietas, sussurros num dia nublado ou uma história para relembrar num dia de primavera. Para quem gosta de contemplar, de seguir o pensamento das personagens (ao invés de plot cheio de ação) e conectar-se profundamente, não apenas com elas, mas com os sentimentos que pairam no ar ao ler. A atmosfera deste livro é extremamente vívida e rica, evocando imagens e sensações.
Apesar da introspeção da Eilidh me parecer um pouco repetitiva a meio do livro, achei muito profunda e crua a conexão de ambas, o desenvolvimento da Eilidh ao longo da história e, especialmente, os sacrifícios que estavam dispostas a fazer uma pela outra 🥹🥀
Li a review da tbr.book.s no Instagram, e ela disse algo que eu sublinho: é uma tragédia de amor, na qual duas almas gémeas foram separadas, não pelos deuses ou pela natureza, mas por humanos e os seus preconceitos.
Sem dúvida vou seguir a carreira da autora e mal posso esperar para ver que futuros projetos ela nos trará! Com finais bittersweet? 👀
Agora vou comprar a cópia física para pôr na estante 😌🥀
March 3, 2025
If you like:
-Slow burn
Saphhics & yearning.
-Witches & Ghosts
cottage core vibes then you'll love this book!🌻🌟
For a debut novel this was beautifully written " maybe I found love in the wrong century because nothing in this world would ever allow me to be free to love her" <3 I love how she wrote the two characters as fundamentally they highlight how WLW are represented & treated in society.
-Audience wise I think this book is book is perfect for upper YA/ new adult. However, don't be expecting a happy ending - Tissues at the ready 🥲
Thoroughly, grateful to have being sent this arc- Thank you 🫶
-Slow burn
Saphhics & yearning.
-Witches & Ghosts
cottage core vibes then you'll love this book!🌻🌟
For a debut novel this was beautifully written " maybe I found love in the wrong century because nothing in this world would ever allow me to be free to love her" <3 I love how she wrote the two characters as fundamentally they highlight how WLW are represented & treated in society.
-Audience wise I think this book is book is perfect for upper YA/ new adult. However, don't be expecting a happy ending - Tissues at the ready 🥲
Thoroughly, grateful to have being sent this arc- Thank you 🫶
May 30, 2025
this was the most beautifully crafted book, both heartbreaking and heartfelt, and I genuinely cannot describe how much I loved it. It was a truly tragic, beautiful love story and I am so glad, despite the pain, that it followed the route it did through the plot. It’s been a while since I actually had like heartache from a book and well, it’s been accomplished. I’m truly astounded by this book and this author!
March 19, 2025
I adored every part of this book and the dark, immersive atmosphere that the author created! But I finished it with my heart completely shattered. In so many pieces. 🥀
Even though the story is set in the past, the characters feel incredibly modern, and I loved how the author portrayed the struggles young people still face today. The way the setting intertwines with the story—witch hunts and the oppression of women—makes it even more powerful.
Love can be both wonderful and devastating, and Eilidh and Marjorie’s relationship captures this in the most breathtaking way. A love filled with passion and deep connection, but also fear and consequences. A story of desire and courage, but also sacrifice and heartbreak.
If you have the chance, read this book! But be warned… these two wonderful ladies will break your heart without mercy.
Even though the story is set in the past, the characters feel incredibly modern, and I loved how the author portrayed the struggles young people still face today. The way the setting intertwines with the story—witch hunts and the oppression of women—makes it even more powerful.
Love can be both wonderful and devastating, and Eilidh and Marjorie’s relationship captures this in the most breathtaking way. A love filled with passion and deep connection, but also fear and consequences. A story of desire and courage, but also sacrifice and heartbreak.
If you have the chance, read this book! But be warned… these two wonderful ladies will break your heart without mercy.
April 1, 2025
The arc version of the haunting season for love and witches was kindly sent to me by the author, Isabelle Larken. It is always a pleasure to read and share my thoughts on a book by a Portuguese author, particularly a debut novel about such important topics.
In this book, the author tells us the story of eilidh and marjorie, two girls who live very different lives but, deep down, face similar challenges. When eilidh starts seeing marjorie’s ghost, she despises her and wants her gone but, soon enough, they become each other’s anchors and fight with everything they have to save each other.
This is a tragic love story that makes us, as readers, reflect on queerness and the power of our hope and imagination, which allow us to imagine a future that does better at respecting and valuing difference.
In this book, the author tells us the story of eilidh and marjorie, two girls who live very different lives but, deep down, face similar challenges. When eilidh starts seeing marjorie’s ghost, she despises her and wants her gone but, soon enough, they become each other’s anchors and fight with everything they have to save each other.
This is a tragic love story that makes us, as readers, reflect on queerness and the power of our hope and imagination, which allow us to imagine a future that does better at respecting and valuing difference.
August 22, 2025
the writing in this novel was very poetic (i really enjoyed that), and the majority of the characters were well fleshed-out. however, i did have trouble liking the main character Eildih. i understood her purpose in the story and why she behaved the way she did, but at times it was hard to root for her. i felt bad for her and her family/friends situation, but for the most part she was just plain mean to everyone. i understood this with the girl friend group—although she was in the wrong sometimes—but i hated the way she treated Marj. the ending was beautiful and heartbreaking; i just wish the lead-up to it was better.
overall, this is a great debut novel and i can't wait to see what story the author wants to say next :))
overall, this is a great debut novel and i can't wait to see what story the author wants to say next :))
April 24, 2025
Arc Review PT/ENG ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
4,75✨✨
✧ Grumpy vs sunshine
✧ Slowburn & enemies to lovers
✧Sapphic romance
✧ Witches
✧ Medieval fantasy
✧ Irland
Primeiramente, quero agradecer à Isabelle pela oportunidade de ler esta obra em antemão e poder falar sobre ela para que mais gente a leia. Lyyyy💖
The Haunting Season for Love and Witches é uma história que culmina magia, mistério, romance e muito desgosto! Passada numa Escócia onde o medo do diferente ameaça destruir vidas, Eilidh é uma jovem que prefere passar o seu tempo com as suas flores e com os fantasmas que a assombram em vez de humanos. Acusada de bruxaria e ostracizada pela sociedade, a sua vida é virada de cabeça para baixo quando Marjorie surge naquela que é uma realidade apática. Esta relação não só desafiará todas as suas crenças como a força do amor será posta à prova, mesmo quando o destino parece tão propício a arruinar tudo. A história explora a linha ténue entre amor, obsessão e a coragem de ser fiel a si mesma, mesmo quando o mundo à sua volta está em ruínas. Um romance sáfico e belo, feminista e destruidor de corações.
Antes de mais, é importante destacar a qualidade da escrita. É envolvente e descritiva de uma forma que prende o leitor desde o início. Há uma atenção ao detalhe que nos faz mergulhar por completo na narrativa. Lembrou-me alguns autores mais conhecidos, com estilos igualmente intensos e imersivos, sendo um deles Rachel Gillig com One Dark Window e These Bitter Blooms de Emma Hamm. Para este género e para esta história em particular, esse tipo de escrita foi essencial.
O storytelling também me pareceu muito bem conseguido. Apesar de uma escrita rica, nunca se tornou confusa ou distante. Pelo contrário, foi simples na sua estrutura, o que ajudou bastante a acompanhar a narrativa sem esforço. Os temas explorados ao longo da história foram fortes e marcantes — complexos, bem desenvolvidos e emocionalmente intensos. Isso, aliado à forma como foram escritos, facilitou muito a leitura e tornou tudo mais impactante.
Eilidh e a Marjorie pareciam tão reais como se fossem minhas amigas. A maneira como foram construídas permitia que o leitor se conectasse com elas, com as suas histórias e personalidades. Criei facilmente uma ligação emocional e um carinho genuíno por ambas. O amor entre Eilidh e Marjorie foi profundamente sentido, descrito com uma força que parecia quase capaz de mover o mundo. Foi tão bem desenvolvido que, a certa altura, parecia que eu própria o estava a viver e acho que era exatamente isso que a Isabelle pretendia.
Além disso, a escrita tinha momentos verdadeiramente marcantes, em que as palavras ganhavam um peso especial. Frases como “Maybe her sadness called to mine, but she looked so thorn that my interest was picked” carregam uma emoção silenciosa, quase maior do que o próprio destino que parece ir contra a relação de ambas. A história de Eilidh e Marjorie deixou-me completamente abalada. Entre um ambiente mais sombrio e momentos de verdadeira beleza, o livro aborda temas importantes como queerness e feminismo com a abordagem feita à relação de ambas e à caça das bruxas.
Se há algo que poderia ser diferente, talvez fosse o tamanho da obra. Senti que, com mais tempo e espaço, a narrativa teria preparado melhor o leitor para a grande revelação final. Uma maior extensão teria permitido um desenvolvimento ainda mais profundo e emocional de forma a que o final não parecesse tão apresado.
Ainda assim, pretendo ler o livro uma segunda vez, recorrendo, desta vez, ao formato físico para uma análise mais profunda e com anotações. Acho que é uma obra passível de uma leitura mais crítica por abordar temas que penso serem realmente capazes de dar asas a muita discussão!
────୨ৎ────────୨ৎ────────୨ৎ──
Firstly, I'd like to thank Isabelle for giving me the opportunity to read this book beforehand and to talk about it so that more people can read it. Lyyyy💖
The Haunting Season for Love and Witches is a story that combines magic, mystery, romance and heartbreak! Set in a Scotland where fear of the different threatens to destroy lives, Eilidh is a young woman who prefers to spend her time with her flowers and the ghosts that haunt her rather than humans. Accused of witchcraft and ostracised by society, her life is turned upside down when Marjorie appears in what is an apathetic reality. Not only will this relationship challenge all their beliefs, but the strength of love will be put to the test, even when fate seems so intent on ruining everything. The story explores the fine line between love, obsession and the courage to be true to yourself, even when the world around you is in ruins. A sapphic and beautiful novel, feminist and heartbreaking.
First of all, it's important to emphasise the quality of the writing. It's engaging and descriptive in a way that grips the reader from the start. There's an attention to detail that immerses you completely in the narrative. It reminded me of some better-known authors with equally intense and immersive styles, one of them being Rachel Gillig with One Dark Window and These Bitter Blooms by Emma Hamm. For this genre and this story in particular, that kind of writing was essential.
The storytelling also seemed very well done. Despite the rich writing, it never became confusing or distant. On the contrary, it was simple in its structure, which really helped to follow the narrative effortlessly. The themes explored throughout the story were strong and striking - complex, well-developed and emotionally intense. This, coupled with the way they were written, made them much easier to read and more impactful.
Eilidh and Marjorie seemed as real as if they were my friends. The way they were constructed allowed the reader to connect with them, with their stories and personalities. I easily created an emotional connection and a genuine affection for both of them. The love between Eilidh and Marjorie was deeply felt, described with a force that seemed almost capable of moving the world. It was so well developed that, at one point, it felt like I was living it myself, and I think that's exactly what Isabelle intended.
What's more, the writing had truly remarkable moments, in which the words took on a special weight. Phrases like ‘Maybe her sadness called to mine, but she looked so thorny that my interest was picked’ carry a silent emotion, almost greater than the very fate that seems to go against their relationship. Eilidh and Marjorie's story left me completely shaken. Between a darker atmosphere and moments of real beauty, the book tackles important themes such as queerness and feminism with its approach to their relationship and the witch hunt.
If there's one thing that could have been different, it might have been the size of the book. I felt that with more time and space, the narrative would have better prepared the reader for the big final reveal. A greater length would have allowed for an even deeper and more emotional development, so that the ending didn't seem so rushed.
Even so, I intend to read the book a second time, this time using the physical format for a more in-depth analysis with notes. I think it's a work that can be read more critically because it tackles themes that I think can really spark a lot of discussion!
4,75✨✨
✧ Grumpy vs sunshine
✧ Slowburn & enemies to lovers
✧Sapphic romance
✧ Witches
✧ Medieval fantasy
✧ Irland
Primeiramente, quero agradecer à Isabelle pela oportunidade de ler esta obra em antemão e poder falar sobre ela para que mais gente a leia. Lyyyy💖
The Haunting Season for Love and Witches é uma história que culmina magia, mistério, romance e muito desgosto! Passada numa Escócia onde o medo do diferente ameaça destruir vidas, Eilidh é uma jovem que prefere passar o seu tempo com as suas flores e com os fantasmas que a assombram em vez de humanos. Acusada de bruxaria e ostracizada pela sociedade, a sua vida é virada de cabeça para baixo quando Marjorie surge naquela que é uma realidade apática. Esta relação não só desafiará todas as suas crenças como a força do amor será posta à prova, mesmo quando o destino parece tão propício a arruinar tudo. A história explora a linha ténue entre amor, obsessão e a coragem de ser fiel a si mesma, mesmo quando o mundo à sua volta está em ruínas. Um romance sáfico e belo, feminista e destruidor de corações.
Antes de mais, é importante destacar a qualidade da escrita. É envolvente e descritiva de uma forma que prende o leitor desde o início. Há uma atenção ao detalhe que nos faz mergulhar por completo na narrativa. Lembrou-me alguns autores mais conhecidos, com estilos igualmente intensos e imersivos, sendo um deles Rachel Gillig com One Dark Window e These Bitter Blooms de Emma Hamm. Para este género e para esta história em particular, esse tipo de escrita foi essencial.
O storytelling também me pareceu muito bem conseguido. Apesar de uma escrita rica, nunca se tornou confusa ou distante. Pelo contrário, foi simples na sua estrutura, o que ajudou bastante a acompanhar a narrativa sem esforço. Os temas explorados ao longo da história foram fortes e marcantes — complexos, bem desenvolvidos e emocionalmente intensos. Isso, aliado à forma como foram escritos, facilitou muito a leitura e tornou tudo mais impactante.
Eilidh e a Marjorie pareciam tão reais como se fossem minhas amigas. A maneira como foram construídas permitia que o leitor se conectasse com elas, com as suas histórias e personalidades. Criei facilmente uma ligação emocional e um carinho genuíno por ambas. O amor entre Eilidh e Marjorie foi profundamente sentido, descrito com uma força que parecia quase capaz de mover o mundo. Foi tão bem desenvolvido que, a certa altura, parecia que eu própria o estava a viver e acho que era exatamente isso que a Isabelle pretendia.
Além disso, a escrita tinha momentos verdadeiramente marcantes, em que as palavras ganhavam um peso especial. Frases como “Maybe her sadness called to mine, but she looked so thorn that my interest was picked” carregam uma emoção silenciosa, quase maior do que o próprio destino que parece ir contra a relação de ambas. A história de Eilidh e Marjorie deixou-me completamente abalada. Entre um ambiente mais sombrio e momentos de verdadeira beleza, o livro aborda temas importantes como queerness e feminismo com a abordagem feita à relação de ambas e à caça das bruxas.
Se há algo que poderia ser diferente, talvez fosse o tamanho da obra. Senti que, com mais tempo e espaço, a narrativa teria preparado melhor o leitor para a grande revelação final. Uma maior extensão teria permitido um desenvolvimento ainda mais profundo e emocional de forma a que o final não parecesse tão apresado.
Ainda assim, pretendo ler o livro uma segunda vez, recorrendo, desta vez, ao formato físico para uma análise mais profunda e com anotações. Acho que é uma obra passível de uma leitura mais crítica por abordar temas que penso serem realmente capazes de dar asas a muita discussão!
────୨ৎ────────୨ৎ────────୨ৎ──
Firstly, I'd like to thank Isabelle for giving me the opportunity to read this book beforehand and to talk about it so that more people can read it. Lyyyy💖
The Haunting Season for Love and Witches is a story that combines magic, mystery, romance and heartbreak! Set in a Scotland where fear of the different threatens to destroy lives, Eilidh is a young woman who prefers to spend her time with her flowers and the ghosts that haunt her rather than humans. Accused of witchcraft and ostracised by society, her life is turned upside down when Marjorie appears in what is an apathetic reality. Not only will this relationship challenge all their beliefs, but the strength of love will be put to the test, even when fate seems so intent on ruining everything. The story explores the fine line between love, obsession and the courage to be true to yourself, even when the world around you is in ruins. A sapphic and beautiful novel, feminist and heartbreaking.
First of all, it's important to emphasise the quality of the writing. It's engaging and descriptive in a way that grips the reader from the start. There's an attention to detail that immerses you completely in the narrative. It reminded me of some better-known authors with equally intense and immersive styles, one of them being Rachel Gillig with One Dark Window and These Bitter Blooms by Emma Hamm. For this genre and this story in particular, that kind of writing was essential.
The storytelling also seemed very well done. Despite the rich writing, it never became confusing or distant. On the contrary, it was simple in its structure, which really helped to follow the narrative effortlessly. The themes explored throughout the story were strong and striking - complex, well-developed and emotionally intense. This, coupled with the way they were written, made them much easier to read and more impactful.
Eilidh and Marjorie seemed as real as if they were my friends. The way they were constructed allowed the reader to connect with them, with their stories and personalities. I easily created an emotional connection and a genuine affection for both of them. The love between Eilidh and Marjorie was deeply felt, described with a force that seemed almost capable of moving the world. It was so well developed that, at one point, it felt like I was living it myself, and I think that's exactly what Isabelle intended.
What's more, the writing had truly remarkable moments, in which the words took on a special weight. Phrases like ‘Maybe her sadness called to mine, but she looked so thorny that my interest was picked’ carry a silent emotion, almost greater than the very fate that seems to go against their relationship. Eilidh and Marjorie's story left me completely shaken. Between a darker atmosphere and moments of real beauty, the book tackles important themes such as queerness and feminism with its approach to their relationship and the witch hunt.
If there's one thing that could have been different, it might have been the size of the book. I felt that with more time and space, the narrative would have better prepared the reader for the big final reveal. A greater length would have allowed for an even deeper and more emotional development, so that the ending didn't seem so rushed.
Even so, I intend to read the book a second time, this time using the physical format for a more in-depth analysis with notes. I think it's a work that can be read more critically because it tackles themes that I think can really spark a lot of discussion!
August 25, 2025
This book is a 50/50 split of absolutely amazing, heartbreaking, engaging and totally confusing, not a clue what’s going on, smile and nod. I think my problem could be the writing maybe? I just think so much happened, while at the same time nothing happened, then everything happened at the end and it was just so rushed?
I enjoyed the setting, and this insight into the witch trials, I did struggle to understand why the main character was seen as abnormal and a devil and everything just because there were untrue rumors about her and a boy she liked? Nobody knew about her ability to see ghosts, so it wasn’t that, so was everyone’s problem with her truly the fact that she liked flowers a lot and had a crush on a boy? I know it’s frowned upon before marriage in those days but the towns reaction seems a bit extreme. Plus there are like 20 names on this “shame list” so is Aberdeen truly just shunning half the girls in town??
I did actually love Marjorie’s story though, the mystery around her death, her being the golden popular girl while having this secret that could ruin everything, her protectiveness over Eilidh. I did want more Marjorie, but at the same time I don’t think we needed it? I think the problem was we had too much Eilidh, there was too much filler content, but the amount of Marjorie we got was perfect and made the reader want more, which is what you want.
I also didn’t understand why Hugh was such a bad guy besides the fact he was with multiple women? And technically he wasn’t because he stopped speaking to Eilidh after the rumours started. I am NOT one to back up a man, but he seemed genuinely interested in Eilidh in his letters? Or was he trying to control her? I don’t know. I think he needed to be MORE dislikeable, or make it obvious that he’s manipulating or leading Eil on.
Another thing I was confused about was the physical interactions between Eil and Marjorie, it is explained early on that, as a ghost, Marjorie can not interact with living things (besides water) and if she touches Eilidh all that Eil feels is a cooling sensation. So later on in the book, when they are clearly physically interacting (spice scene or kissing, for example) I truly don’t understand how that would work?
I did actually enjoy the book, but certain things obviously did confuse me. If stars didn’t exist and I had to choose a word to describe this book, it would be “meh”
I enjoyed the setting, and this insight into the witch trials, I did struggle to understand why the main character was seen as abnormal and a devil and everything just because there were untrue rumors about her and a boy she liked? Nobody knew about her ability to see ghosts, so it wasn’t that, so was everyone’s problem with her truly the fact that she liked flowers a lot and had a crush on a boy? I know it’s frowned upon before marriage in those days but the towns reaction seems a bit extreme. Plus there are like 20 names on this “shame list” so is Aberdeen truly just shunning half the girls in town??
I did actually love Marjorie’s story though, the mystery around her death, her being the golden popular girl while having this secret that could ruin everything, her protectiveness over Eilidh. I did want more Marjorie, but at the same time I don’t think we needed it? I think the problem was we had too much Eilidh, there was too much filler content, but the amount of Marjorie we got was perfect and made the reader want more, which is what you want.
I also didn’t understand why Hugh was such a bad guy besides the fact he was with multiple women? And technically he wasn’t because he stopped speaking to Eilidh after the rumours started. I am NOT one to back up a man, but he seemed genuinely interested in Eilidh in his letters? Or was he trying to control her? I don’t know. I think he needed to be MORE dislikeable, or make it obvious that he’s manipulating or leading Eil on.
Another thing I was confused about was the physical interactions between Eil and Marjorie, it is explained early on that, as a ghost, Marjorie can not interact with living things (besides water) and if she touches Eilidh all that Eil feels is a cooling sensation. So later on in the book, when they are clearly physically interacting (spice scene or kissing, for example) I truly don’t understand how that would work?
I did actually enjoy the book, but certain things obviously did confuse me. If stars didn’t exist and I had to choose a word to describe this book, it would be “meh”
April 3, 2025
A huge, warm thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to discover her work and for providing me with an ARC—I had a great time getting to know your girls.
I couldn't be happier that I read this book at this particular time of year. The way flowers were described throughout the story while the sun warmed my face made the experience even more special. This is a historical novel with unique dialects, where Eilidh sees ghosts and is called a witch by everyone, while Marjorie, who met a tragic end, remains unable to move on. I could vividly picture the world you created in great detail.
I want to praise your writing—it’s beautifully poetic, and I truly appreciate the care you put into explaining everything, weaving the past into the present. This approach allows the reader to understand the characters on a deeper level and connect with them more. That said, I feel like this book was almost too beautiful for me.
The only other time I’ve felt this way was while reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. In my opinion, both books are best suited for readers who prefer a more introspective, character-driven experience rather than action-packed narratives. I found myself struggling to keep up with my reading because I felt that not much was happening—there was another argument with the mother, another moment of grief over Hugo, another fight with Marjorie. I also struggled to fully engage with the enemies to lovers dynamic, as I couldn’t quite grasp the depth of Eilidh’s hatred for Marjorie, and at times, the conflicts between them felt somewhat forced.
I feel sad that this wasn’t the right book for me, but I’m incredibly happy that you brought it to life. I have, and always will have, immense pride in the dedication and love (which I truly felt) you poured into your words. And knowing that this story was born from a broken heart makes it all the more poignant—sometimes, the most beautiful things come from the deepest pain.
I couldn't be happier that I read this book at this particular time of year. The way flowers were described throughout the story while the sun warmed my face made the experience even more special. This is a historical novel with unique dialects, where Eilidh sees ghosts and is called a witch by everyone, while Marjorie, who met a tragic end, remains unable to move on. I could vividly picture the world you created in great detail.
I want to praise your writing—it’s beautifully poetic, and I truly appreciate the care you put into explaining everything, weaving the past into the present. This approach allows the reader to understand the characters on a deeper level and connect with them more. That said, I feel like this book was almost too beautiful for me.
The only other time I’ve felt this way was while reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. In my opinion, both books are best suited for readers who prefer a more introspective, character-driven experience rather than action-packed narratives. I found myself struggling to keep up with my reading because I felt that not much was happening—there was another argument with the mother, another moment of grief over Hugo, another fight with Marjorie. I also struggled to fully engage with the enemies to lovers dynamic, as I couldn’t quite grasp the depth of Eilidh’s hatred for Marjorie, and at times, the conflicts between them felt somewhat forced.
I feel sad that this wasn’t the right book for me, but I’m incredibly happy that you brought it to life. I have, and always will have, immense pride in the dedication and love (which I truly felt) you poured into your words. And knowing that this story was born from a broken heart makes it all the more poignant—sometimes, the most beautiful things come from the deepest pain.
February 21, 2025
Some stories don’t just captivate the mind; they enchant the soul. 💜✨️
The Haunting of Love and Witches is one of those rare books that completely transports the reader into its world—a world filled with eerie beauty, haunting emotions, and a depth that lingers long after the final page.
Set in Ireland during the dark times when women were condemned as witches 🧙🏼♀️🍀 the storie follows Eilidh and the ghost of Marjorie—the one person she loathes yet, by a twist of fate, the only one whose spirit she can see. Their connection is both unsettling and mesmerizing, a delicate dance between resentment and reluctant understanding.
What makes this book extraordinary is Isabel’s writing—there is an unmistakable magic in every word, every sentence, every carefully woven detail. Her prose is not just beautiful; it is graceful, almost ethereal, drawing the reader into the heart of the story with an elegance rarely found. I didn’t just read this book—I lived inside it. Even when I wasn’t reading, my thoughts were consumed by its world. 💫
Beyond the supernatural elements, this novel delves into themes that feel profoundly real. It explores the complexities of friendship, the raw, unfiltered nature of love, and the struggle for freedom in a world that seeks to silence those who dare to be different. It is both a historical tale and a strikingly relevant reflection of today.
And then there’s the mystery—the tension that keeps you clinging to every page until the very end, when everything is unraveled with breathtaking precision. The storytelling is masterful, leaving no thread untied, no emotion unexplored.
Isabel has crafted not just a novel, but a masterpiece—one that is haunting, heartbreaking, and utterly unforgettable!!
●
E a ti, Isabel, que de longe me consegues aquecer sempre o coração. Obrigada por nunca teres desistido 💜
The Haunting of Love and Witches is one of those rare books that completely transports the reader into its world—a world filled with eerie beauty, haunting emotions, and a depth that lingers long after the final page.
Set in Ireland during the dark times when women were condemned as witches 🧙🏼♀️🍀 the storie follows Eilidh and the ghost of Marjorie—the one person she loathes yet, by a twist of fate, the only one whose spirit she can see. Their connection is both unsettling and mesmerizing, a delicate dance between resentment and reluctant understanding.
What makes this book extraordinary is Isabel’s writing—there is an unmistakable magic in every word, every sentence, every carefully woven detail. Her prose is not just beautiful; it is graceful, almost ethereal, drawing the reader into the heart of the story with an elegance rarely found. I didn’t just read this book—I lived inside it. Even when I wasn’t reading, my thoughts were consumed by its world. 💫
Beyond the supernatural elements, this novel delves into themes that feel profoundly real. It explores the complexities of friendship, the raw, unfiltered nature of love, and the struggle for freedom in a world that seeks to silence those who dare to be different. It is both a historical tale and a strikingly relevant reflection of today.
And then there’s the mystery—the tension that keeps you clinging to every page until the very end, when everything is unraveled with breathtaking precision. The storytelling is masterful, leaving no thread untied, no emotion unexplored.
Isabel has crafted not just a novel, but a masterpiece—one that is haunting, heartbreaking, and utterly unforgettable!!
●
E a ti, Isabel, que de longe me consegues aquecer sempre o coração. Obrigada por nunca teres desistido 💜
November 9, 2025
𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙃𝘼𝙐𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙎𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙊𝙉 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙒𝙄𝙏𝘾𝙃𝙀𝙎 𝙗𝙮 𝙄𝙨𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙣
𝟑 ★
“𝑆𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑑”
This book left me torn. I loved some aspects of it, but really disliked others. The writing style was a bit confusing at times, which unfortunately lowered my overall rating. The premise is great and the story starts off strong, but it quickly becomes muddled, and I have to admit, the main character annoyed me quite a bit.
What I did love was the romance. It’s well developed, not rushed, and you can clearly see the characters falling in love. The fact that Marjorie is a ghost, and that there’s so much mystery surrounding her death, made their relationship even more compelling. Their interactions were touching, especially seeing Marjorie slowly become more connected to the real world. I just didn’t really understand why Eilidh hated her at the beginning, though.
That leads me to what I didn’t like: Eilidh herself. She irritated me from page one, constantly self-absorbed, jealous, and generally unpleasant. She’s labeled a witch by her town not because she can see ghosts (which would make sense), but because of a false rumor about her sleeping with someone and because she dares to walk in the woods alone. Really?
Somehow she ends up on a list of “disreputable” girls accused of witchcraft, and it’s a long list. But then, suddenly, the reason someone is burning buildings in Aberdeen is supposedly because Eilidh won’t leave town? For someone the town supposedly despises, she’s surprisingly important. And to top it off, the ending is very predictable.
There were just too many inconsistencies and confusing plot points for me to fully enjoy the story. I did love the romance and the heartbreaking tone of the book, but it wasn’t enough to make me love it overall.
𝟑 ★
“𝑆𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑑”
This book left me torn. I loved some aspects of it, but really disliked others. The writing style was a bit confusing at times, which unfortunately lowered my overall rating. The premise is great and the story starts off strong, but it quickly becomes muddled, and I have to admit, the main character annoyed me quite a bit.
What I did love was the romance. It’s well developed, not rushed, and you can clearly see the characters falling in love. The fact that Marjorie is a ghost, and that there’s so much mystery surrounding her death, made their relationship even more compelling. Their interactions were touching, especially seeing Marjorie slowly become more connected to the real world. I just didn’t really understand why Eilidh hated her at the beginning, though.
That leads me to what I didn’t like: Eilidh herself. She irritated me from page one, constantly self-absorbed, jealous, and generally unpleasant. She’s labeled a witch by her town not because she can see ghosts (which would make sense), but because of a false rumor about her sleeping with someone and because she dares to walk in the woods alone. Really?
Somehow she ends up on a list of “disreputable” girls accused of witchcraft, and it’s a long list. But then, suddenly, the reason someone is burning buildings in Aberdeen is supposedly because Eilidh won’t leave town? For someone the town supposedly despises, she’s surprisingly important. And to top it off, the ending is very predictable.
There were just too many inconsistencies and confusing plot points for me to fully enjoy the story. I did love the romance and the heartbreaking tone of the book, but it wasn’t enough to make me love it overall.
February 28, 2025
Isabelle you’re going to pay for my therapy after this🤧
I have a looooot to say about this book and first of all we all have to knelt down and say THANK YOU to the gods that Isabelle exists and is the creator of this wonderful universe with LOVELY (and heartbreaking) ladies🥹
Im going to hold your hand when i tell you that Heartbreaking stories that involving witchcraft are always my favourites and i seriously never thought this book would be the Most Beautiful Thing that happened to broke my heart and healed my Soul.Its incredible how Isabelle could make our main characters so accurate to much teenagers/ya problems and points of view,i can talk for myself that I perfectly see Me on Eilidh personality.I loved how easily Isabelle talked about the problems that happened in medieval society, almost like she lived it and told us everything point by point.This book made me go back in time and made me feel like i was there with our main characters running through the woods.
I pinky promise with you that if you want..
-Slowburn
-enemies to lovers
-a extremely powerful Plot
-Ghosts & Witches
-Medieval fantasy
-Forbidden DEADLY love
-No spice but a lot of tension 👀
-Grumpy & Sunshine
READ THIS! Please make yourself a favour to drown on this marvellous universe and follow the story of someone who dared herself to fall in love with the forbidden and Promised the forever and did it. HWFLAW shows you how falling in love can be adorable and destructive at the same time, shows you how someone can love you for exactly who you are,it doesn’t matter if you show too much,someone will love you that way..and it shows you how love can come from the most unexpected places..Don’t forget your tissues box when you fall in this world,beyond beautiful words and tension,you will savour the pain of the forbidden and how powerful is the force of love.Make yourself a favour to enter in this world,i need a army to show up at Miss.Isabelle house to ask for a Christmas Gift (i can’t spoiler you ehehe) anyways,i love you Isabelle pls don’t explode🙏🏻💕
I have a looooot to say about this book and first of all we all have to knelt down and say THANK YOU to the gods that Isabelle exists and is the creator of this wonderful universe with LOVELY (and heartbreaking) ladies🥹
Im going to hold your hand when i tell you that Heartbreaking stories that involving witchcraft are always my favourites and i seriously never thought this book would be the Most Beautiful Thing that happened to broke my heart and healed my Soul.Its incredible how Isabelle could make our main characters so accurate to much teenagers/ya problems and points of view,i can talk for myself that I perfectly see Me on Eilidh personality.I loved how easily Isabelle talked about the problems that happened in medieval society, almost like she lived it and told us everything point by point.This book made me go back in time and made me feel like i was there with our main characters running through the woods.
I pinky promise with you that if you want..
-Slowburn
-enemies to lovers
-a extremely powerful Plot
-Ghosts & Witches
-Medieval fantasy
-Forbidden DEADLY love
-No spice but a lot of tension 👀
-Grumpy & Sunshine
READ THIS! Please make yourself a favour to drown on this marvellous universe and follow the story of someone who dared herself to fall in love with the forbidden and Promised the forever and did it. HWFLAW shows you how falling in love can be adorable and destructive at the same time, shows you how someone can love you for exactly who you are,it doesn’t matter if you show too much,someone will love you that way..and it shows you how love can come from the most unexpected places..Don’t forget your tissues box when you fall in this world,beyond beautiful words and tension,you will savour the pain of the forbidden and how powerful is the force of love.Make yourself a favour to enter in this world,i need a army to show up at Miss.Isabelle house to ask for a Christmas Gift (i can’t spoiler you ehehe) anyways,i love you Isabelle pls don’t explode🙏🏻💕
April 16, 2025
First of all: THANK YOU, Isabelle, for the opportunity to arc read this book. One of the best experiences of my life.
I'm still trying to cope with my feelings about the ending, but I'll keep this as short and coherent as possible.
As if my mental health wasn't bad enough already, I decided that reading a book without a guaranteed happy ending was a GREAT idea.
I do, however, have arguments in my defence. One: it's a sapphic book about a forbidden love story between a ghost and a ghost seer. Two: re-read the first one.
Did the knowledge about the inevitable doom stop it from breaking my heart? No. No, it did not.
Eilidh is seen as a witch, cast aside by society, and the fact she sees ghost doesn't really help her with maintaining her reputation, especially when a special ghost shows up unexpectedly in her life.
When they inevitably fall in love, fate and nature aren't kind enough to let them live happily ever after (also, Marjorie's dead, so...).
This story has the power to transport you to old Ireland and actually make you feel the love and the impending doom. You feel it in every single chapter but still can't help hoping that love truly has the power to save lifes.
I could be here talking and blabbering about the story but I'll leave you with something better: the writing.
Isabelle's writing is so beautiful and inspiring. Every quote touched my heart deeply, and I couldn't help but mention it here. She has the power to make us feel every single emotion, to really feel like we are in the world she built.
Also, I have to mention: "The nature of first love" is my favourite chapter. When you read the book, you'll know what I mean.
I tried to keep it short, but really, please give this book a chance. The writing and the plot are the most heartbreaking and beautiful thing you'll ever read. It shows you what true love really is.
I'm still trying to cope with my feelings about the ending, but I'll keep this as short and coherent as possible.
As if my mental health wasn't bad enough already, I decided that reading a book without a guaranteed happy ending was a GREAT idea.
I do, however, have arguments in my defence. One: it's a sapphic book about a forbidden love story between a ghost and a ghost seer. Two: re-read the first one.
Did the knowledge about the inevitable doom stop it from breaking my heart? No. No, it did not.
Eilidh is seen as a witch, cast aside by society, and the fact she sees ghost doesn't really help her with maintaining her reputation, especially when a special ghost shows up unexpectedly in her life.
When they inevitably fall in love, fate and nature aren't kind enough to let them live happily ever after (also, Marjorie's dead, so...).
This story has the power to transport you to old Ireland and actually make you feel the love and the impending doom. You feel it in every single chapter but still can't help hoping that love truly has the power to save lifes.
I could be here talking and blabbering about the story but I'll leave you with something better: the writing.
Isabelle's writing is so beautiful and inspiring. Every quote touched my heart deeply, and I couldn't help but mention it here. She has the power to make us feel every single emotion, to really feel like we are in the world she built.
Also, I have to mention: "The nature of first love" is my favourite chapter. When you read the book, you'll know what I mean.
I tried to keep it short, but really, please give this book a chance. The writing and the plot are the most heartbreaking and beautiful thing you'll ever read. It shows you what true love really is.
April 4, 2025
4.5⭐️
Thank you so much to the amazing author Isabelle Larken for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I literally loved every second of this book. It doesn't have a massive plot, and I definitely think it is more of a character driven book so if you're into that then this is perfect for you.
I don't want to give away too much because I definitely think you should go into this book not knowing too much! BUT what I can say is that the characters are very well written and so interesting to follow. Eilidh and Marjorie are adorable together and I really enjoyed the banter between them.
The writing is also beautiful and very poetic which I adore in books!
Psst. I cried at the end so be PREPARED 🫡
The only reason I'm not giving it a five stars is because I felt it was a tiny bit too fast-paced in the beginning. But other than that, this book was perfect and made me feel every single emotion.
Again, thank you Isabelle Larken for sending me an eARC of this beautiful book. I cannot wait to read more books by her!
Thank you so much to the amazing author Isabelle Larken for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I literally loved every second of this book. It doesn't have a massive plot, and I definitely think it is more of a character driven book so if you're into that then this is perfect for you.
I don't want to give away too much because I definitely think you should go into this book not knowing too much! BUT what I can say is that the characters are very well written and so interesting to follow. Eilidh and Marjorie are adorable together and I really enjoyed the banter between them.
The writing is also beautiful and very poetic which I adore in books!
Psst. I cried at the end so be PREPARED 🫡
The only reason I'm not giving it a five stars is because I felt it was a tiny bit too fast-paced in the beginning. But other than that, this book was perfect and made me feel every single emotion.
Again, thank you Isabelle Larken for sending me an eARC of this beautiful book. I cannot wait to read more books by her!
March 31, 2025
I must say that I wasn't expecting a Portuguese author to write an English book, although I don't mind reading Portuguese authors in my native language, I must admit I have a preference in reading in English, i find it easier for me.
Anyways, now to the book itself, oh my gods, I cannot nitpick any detail to be honest, the writing the story, the plots, everything is perfect in my opinion!!
From the moment I saw a tiktok talking about it, I was immediately head over heels about this book. I was soooo sad it wasn't out yet, but thankfully I had the amazing chance to read it a bit earlier than i was expecting! And just because I loved it so must I also bought a physical copy and I'm anxiously waiting for it to arrive!!!
I need to say that if you find yourself thorn between reading it or not, YOU NEED TO READ IT!!!
ITS A 5 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR ME
Definitely one of my favorite books atm
And I must say, you will not
Anyways, now to the book itself, oh my gods, I cannot nitpick any detail to be honest, the writing the story, the plots, everything is perfect in my opinion!!
From the moment I saw a tiktok talking about it, I was immediately head over heels about this book. I was soooo sad it wasn't out yet, but thankfully I had the amazing chance to read it a bit earlier than i was expecting! And just because I loved it so must I also bought a physical copy and I'm anxiously waiting for it to arrive!!!
I need to say that if you find yourself thorn between reading it or not, YOU NEED TO READ IT!!!
ITS A 5 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR ME
Definitely one of my favorite books atm
And I must say, you will not
April 8, 2025
I loved this book! I didn’t know what I was truly getting into but the aspect of someone falling in love with a ghost? I’m all for it!
My heart was broken, but honestly? I am glad it was.
“I’m afraid, she’d said
Of what?
Dying in Pain”
The way this pulled at my heart, how Marjorie was willing to help Eilidh in her last moments. Did I cry? Yes, yes I did.
I had hopes for a happy ending but at the same time I knew I was being too hopeful with that. Honestly that’s fine though because I still adored the relationship. I adored how it built, how both girls discovered more about themselves.
Eilidh and Marjorie were meant for each other throughout the book. I do wish we got to see more of what Marjorie thought of Eilidh before her death just to know where she was with her feelings once she passed.
I highly recommend this book and I hope it gets all of the love it deserves!
My heart was broken, but honestly? I am glad it was.
“I’m afraid, she’d said
Of what?
Dying in Pain”
The way this pulled at my heart, how Marjorie was willing to help Eilidh in her last moments. Did I cry? Yes, yes I did.
I had hopes for a happy ending but at the same time I knew I was being too hopeful with that. Honestly that’s fine though because I still adored the relationship. I adored how it built, how both girls discovered more about themselves.
Eilidh and Marjorie were meant for each other throughout the book. I do wish we got to see more of what Marjorie thought of Eilidh before her death just to know where she was with her feelings once she passed.
I highly recommend this book and I hope it gets all of the love it deserves!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
** ARC REVIEW **
I knew I would love this book as soon as I read the title. But I didn’t know how much I would love the characters and all their story.
Marjorie and Eilidh will have a special place in my heart. I too love nature and her power and reading about a girl that believes in the same things as me warmed my heart. Eilidh will be in my mind for a long time. Marjorie I was the kind of girl that had something that made everyone loved her. Everyone except for Eilidh.
As they started to grow a relationship after Marjorie’s death, you start to see the real them and how cute they are together. They are so protective of the other
The ending had me in tears but if I could read this book again for the first time I would. Even if I would have my heart broken all over again. That’s how much I loved this book.
Isabelle, thank you so much for this beautiful love story, thank you for writing about how the women were oppressed by society in that time. You are amazing and will go so far 💜
I knew I would love this book as soon as I read the title. But I didn’t know how much I would love the characters and all their story.
Marjorie and Eilidh will have a special place in my heart. I too love nature and her power and reading about a girl that believes in the same things as me warmed my heart. Eilidh will be in my mind for a long time. Marjorie I was the kind of girl that had something that made everyone loved her. Everyone except for Eilidh.
As they started to grow a relationship after Marjorie’s death, you start to see the real them and how cute they are together. They are so protective of the other
The ending had me in tears but if I could read this book again for the first time I would. Even if I would have my heart broken all over again. That’s how much I loved this book.
Isabelle, thank you so much for this beautiful love story, thank you for writing about how the women were oppressed by society in that time. You are amazing and will go so far 💜
April 10, 2025
I would like to thank the author for giving me an earc of this book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. A sapphic love story between a girl and a ghost, what’s not to love?! I must start by staying that the author’s writing style is absolutely beautiful and lyrical. I loved how the author conveyed the heart shattering moments in this story. It made it pretty easy to fall in love with Eilidh and Marjorie.
And so I am a bit disappointed that I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would. At times, I found it a bit difficult to understand what was going on. The relationship between Eilidh and Marjorie, though being a beautiful love story felt a little rushed from hate to being in love. I also struggled to fully grasp what happened towards the end, as it felt like everything happened all at once in the last 30% of the book.
I am still glad that we got to see the Eilidh and Marjorie’s story come to life. And it is beautifully tragic one.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. A sapphic love story between a girl and a ghost, what’s not to love?! I must start by staying that the author’s writing style is absolutely beautiful and lyrical. I loved how the author conveyed the heart shattering moments in this story. It made it pretty easy to fall in love with Eilidh and Marjorie.
And so I am a bit disappointed that I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would. At times, I found it a bit difficult to understand what was going on. The relationship between Eilidh and Marjorie, though being a beautiful love story felt a little rushed from hate to being in love. I also struggled to fully grasp what happened towards the end, as it felt like everything happened all at once in the last 30% of the book.
I am still glad that we got to see the Eilidh and Marjorie’s story come to life. And it is beautifully tragic one.
June 11, 2025
- overall achei uma história bonita com um final que apesar de trágico sinto que foi ideal para a história que era
- o título é enorme, estou me sempre a esquecer do nome inteiro lmao
- gostei da escrita mas nota-se que é uma escrita mais poética e então demorei mais que o normal a entrar mesmo na história em si
- apesar da falta de maturidade da Eilidh me irritar muitas vezes, gostei do grumpy x sunshine
- senti que a relação delas passou do ódio para o amor muito rápido e sinto que teria gostado mais se tivesse estado mais envolvida no processo da Eilidh a apaixonar-se pela Marjorie (tivemos essa parte ofc mas senti que foi pouco)
- também senti que só as conhecia muito superficialmente e então não me consegui sentir tão imersa e apegada às personagens
- o título é enorme, estou me sempre a esquecer do nome inteiro lmao
- gostei da escrita mas nota-se que é uma escrita mais poética e então demorei mais que o normal a entrar mesmo na história em si
- apesar da falta de maturidade da Eilidh me irritar muitas vezes, gostei do grumpy x sunshine
- senti que a relação delas passou do ódio para o amor muito rápido e sinto que teria gostado mais se tivesse estado mais envolvida no processo da Eilidh a apaixonar-se pela Marjorie (tivemos essa parte ofc mas senti que foi pouco)
- também senti que só as conhecia muito superficialmente e então não me consegui sentir tão imersa e apegada às personagens
May 1, 2025
AHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHA *maniacally laughs through tears*
What a fantastic book!! I am still recovering if I have to be honest. I just finished it and I'm writing this review from the park, basking in the sunlight as I definitely could use some vitamin D after such a heartbreak. But it was all worth it because this was a beautiful and magical love story that in my opinion portrays love exactly for what it is. Not even just romantic love, any type of any love that is real I believe it to be so strong as I have mostly experienced it through the lense of grief in similar ways. I don't know what else to say, I am not good with words but I adored it to bits!
What a fantastic book!! I am still recovering if I have to be honest. I just finished it and I'm writing this review from the park, basking in the sunlight as I definitely could use some vitamin D after such a heartbreak. But it was all worth it because this was a beautiful and magical love story that in my opinion portrays love exactly for what it is. Not even just romantic love, any type of any love that is real I believe it to be so strong as I have mostly experienced it through the lense of grief in similar ways. I don't know what else to say, I am not good with words but I adored it to bits!
July 18, 2025
Ouch.
"Foolish heart, hoping that she ushered to be on my side when no one else was."
This might just be my most annotated book on Kindle. They said it would be heartbreaking... and of course, I didn’t listen. Now here I am, heart broken and all. Lesson learned: don’t doubt the warnings, read it to believe it.
All that said, I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for heartbreak, for the highs and lows of love, for the tragedy of it all. Yet, most importantly, if you want to connect to characters and see your own reflection told so beautifully.
It’s been a while since I read something this poetic. A blessing, truly.
"Foolish heart, hoping that she ushered to be on my side when no one else was."
This might just be my most annotated book on Kindle. They said it would be heartbreaking... and of course, I didn’t listen. Now here I am, heart broken and all. Lesson learned: don’t doubt the warnings, read it to believe it.
All that said, I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for heartbreak, for the highs and lows of love, for the tragedy of it all. Yet, most importantly, if you want to connect to characters and see your own reflection told so beautifully.
It’s been a while since I read something this poetic. A blessing, truly.
February 28, 2025
I loved the overall idea, tragicness of it all, the potential for longing and yearning, which it pretty much reached and the writing was so beautiful really fit with the whole theme, but it did have slow start and with some other aspects for some reason it started to feel more cozy than it was and even with devastating notion of it all some things felt a bit of underdeveloped. The forest vibes and everything were great and the romance so worth rooting for even knowing everything could come crashing down so easily.
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