The Making of a Witch: A Novel

by Judy Molland

Inspired by true events, this novel tells the tale of young Alice Molland, who must grapple with accusations of witchcraft and the persecution of women with mysterious gifts in turbulent seventeenth-century England.

In the tumultuous era of seventeenth-century Exeter, England, Alice Molland, age ten, is forced to attend the brutal execution of her mentor in the healing arts, Goody Luscombe, who has been condemned to death for witchcraft. In the years that follow, with her use of herbs such as mugwort, slippery elm, and comfrey, Alice becomes well known as a magical healer. But such gifts come accompanied by danger in the times she lives in.

At fifteen, Alice becomes captivated by Richard Greenway, the son of a local merchant. Determined to make him hers, she draws him to her by anointing a red candle with rose oil and casting a love spell. But when she becomes pregnant, Richard abandons her and his father raises suspicion that Alice is a witch. Powerless against the mighty Sir William Greenway, Alice must leave Exeter for the village of Ivycombe, where she raises her son, Tommy. 

When she is gifted a magic wand, Alice becomes the leader of the Full Moon Worshippers and her reputation as a healer grows—but can she survive in an age of misogyny?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction

328 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2026

Reviews

[Courtney Pityer]

The Making of a Witch is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of the authors very own ancestor. I will say I found this book to be a very facinating story and a very important part of history. Not only does it deal with the persecutions of Witchcraft but also a very important time in English history when the monarchy was basically overthrown. I have to say this book was spot on with covering some very important details.

We are introduced to Alice who is a little girl living with her family. As a child she witnesses the execution of a woman in her village who was accused of being a witch. Her mother warns her that these are dangerous times and that she must obey the society around her. As she grows she becomes skilled in the arts of healing. However, with her maturity comes great responsibility and when she finda herself in a predicament after a liason with a man above her station she must leave her home and start over.

[KBeansbook]

REVIEW OF ADVANCED COPY FROM NETGALLEY

Inspired by true events, the novel takes place in the 17th century in Exeter England where witchcraft and magic as well as deep fear of being bewitched, cursed or worse, accused of being blasphemous and reported as behaving suspiciously, and in some instances accused out of malice as being a witch. The punishment if found guilty of witchcraft is hanging.
The book opens with ten year old Alice Mollard being forced to attend the hanging of her dear elderly friend and mentor in natural healing practices, Goody Luscombe. As young as she is, this protagonist will continue to amaze with her wiser than her years inner strength and her staunch belief in herself and the ability to heal and care for all living things. She demonstrates a remarkable sense of justice and is extremely protective of her close neighbors she cares for. Her defiance and frustration towards the inequality of the classes and her natural born leadership will unfortunately be what will bring her attention from all the wrong people in high places that will endanger her life.
She becomes pregnant by the one person who will bring the most attention to her unmarried with child circumstances and when she reveals she is with child he demands that she use her knowledge with her potions to rid herself of it. Refusing to do so, she leaves to go live a days journey away with family. She continues her healing practices and the town relies on her knowledge yet she’s also known to be strange and is caught praying aloud in the woods speaking to the elemental gods she has converted her faith towards renouncing God and Christianity. As her son begins to get older his desperation to know his father becomes increasingly more persistent. When he takes extreme measures to try to find him, Alice relents in sending word to Richard, knowing her life is in danger. She’s had a bounty out on her from his father since she left her home 8 years prior. When Richard arrives to her home, speaks to his son, observes her potions and poultices all around her kitchen he demands he will be back to take his son and bring him somewhere else because he cannot return with a bastard to his own home.
The lengths Alice will go to hiding her son and protecting him from Richard will coincide with one of her patients alleging she’s killed her husband and cursed his wife causing their deaths. She is arrested, left in the squalor of the gaols starving and reflecting on her life. She will remain strong and keep her dignity to the very end ensuring she is the one who has the very last word.
I was super immersed in this book, for one because it is an actual historical event that happened to the authors ancestor and secondly because the story told by the POV of a 10 year old girl into her coming of age during an extremely dangerous and terrifying time to be not only a poor woman but more importantly a healer of any kind. She is inspiring and full of courage, born a very wise soul who continues to practice her healing despite the unstable and uncertainty of society’s discriminating views and highly suspicious mindset.
Thank you to MINDBUCK MEDIA, She Writes Press and NETGALLEY for the opportunity.
#Netgalley ARC #Shewritespress #Mindbuckmedia #JudyMollard #TheMakingofawitch

[Rachael]

Thank you to Mindbuck Media Book Publicity for providing me with an advance reader copy of The Making of a Witch in exchange for an honest review.

The Making of a Witch follows Alice Molland, a resourceful young woman living in Exeter, England in the mid-1600s, who quietly pushes against the rigid expectations placed on women in her community. When she is forced to watch her mentor, who taught her the healing power of herbs,be executed for witchcraft, that loss, along with others, sparks a crisis of faith and a growing determination to question the systems that govern her life.

Set in the 17th century, this novel sheds light on a sobering period in history when hundreds of thousands of people were accused of witchcraft between 1500 and 1700, with many sentenced to death. Most of those accused were women, often healers or marginalized members of society, whose legitimate work was misunderstood, feared, or deliberately demonized. The story highlights how women were expected to endure hardship without complaint, and how daring it was for someone like Alice to believe she deserved more.

One of the strengths of this book is its connection to nature and traditional healing practices. I appreciated the way the author explored herbal knowledge and the quiet resilience of women who relied on community and the natural world to survive. The historical backdrop is clearly well researched, and I found the novel to be educational in its portrayal of women’s lives and the social dynamics of the time.

That said, while the subject matter is inherently powerful, I found myself wishing for a bit more emotional intensity. The events described are tragic and significant, but the storytelling didn’t always deliver the visceral impact I tend to look for in historical fiction. I wanted to feel more deeply immersed in the fear, grief, and urgency of the period, which arrived a little late in the story for me.

Overall, The Making of a Witch is a thoughtful and informative look at the plight of women in the 17th century and the dangers faced by those who challenged societal norms. While it didn’t fully resonate with me on an emotional level, it offers an important perspective on a dark chapter in history and will likely appeal to readers interested in women’s history, witch trials, and stories of quiet resistance.

[Amelia Bujar]

FULL REVIEW ON MY WEBSITE
https://thebookcornerchronicles.com/2...

Before we start this review, I need to thank Mindbuck Media Book Publicity for sending me a copy of this book before the realize date of this book. And even thou I have gotten this book for free and before the release of it I will keep this review 100% honest and be as neutral towards this book as I am towards other books and comic books I review on this website. But without making this intro longer than it already is, lets get into the review of this book.

This book is set in the 17th century and it follows a resourceful young woman named Alice Molland who at the beginning of this book is 10 years old, but throughout this book gets older, more mature and more skilled as a healer. At the same time this we get England in the mid-1600s where the accusations of witchcraft and very rigid expectations for women are running wild. Which means that this book gives us a good picture of how the day-to-day life was like for most women with many women being accused of being witches and being sentenced to death because of those accusations. There is handful of deaths and violations in this book, which is important to keep in mind if those topics trigger you in any form.

I personally find this period of time to be interesting, because I personally cant wrap my head around why we as humans would ever hang someone because of some random accusations. So it was very easy for me personally to accept the pre-release copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

The plot in this book is pretty intriguing and has a good premise overall. And I really enjoyed reading this book, but I couldn’t quite get into this book, because how fast the plot in this book. Because most chapters would skip weeks or months in advance mid-chapter which has pulled me out of the general plot of this book. And the subjects would change pretty quickly in this book. Like one paragraph would be about Alice talking with her mom and then the very next paragraph would be a complete 180 of that. It almost felt like the author was aiming for a chronological timeline of events (sort of like a history textbook) rather than giving us as readers a coherent plot in this book.

All the events we get in this book feel more like “this happened, then this happened, then this happened and this happened” rather than a engaging storyline which would make me interested and engaged in it.

But the historical backdrop of the plot in this book feels very realistic and very well researched which is the main reason why I liked this book. I also found the exploration of herbal knowledge and the quiet resilience of women characters in the pretty harsh 17th century England to be very well written in this book. This book was also inspired by the real-life story of the author’s distant relative who is the main character in this book, made me give this book and the author extra points for. Because it takes courage to share family history with the world especially during the witch hunt era of humanity.

The writing in this book was generally good, but there were times where the writing could have been improved because there were times (especially the first chapter) I was getting pretty annoyed at the continual mentions of Goody/Goodwife/Diana Luscombe when the characters and the overall context were already established in this book. It almost felt like the author was afraid that we would forget the context and time period of this book.

The characters in this book were pretty well written. The characters we get in this book were pretty likable and relatable. Every character in this book had their own personalities and something that made them standout from the rest of the characters in this book. Which made me give this book extra points for doing. Because I personally put a lot of weight on the characters when it comes down to rating a book and writing a honest review of the book.

However there were times where I would get irritated at the characters at times. Because the characters would talking through information or narrate the information to each other like the other characters wouldn’t all have known perfectly well what was happening if no one has over-explain the events to them like someone would over-explain something to a toddler.

There are also plenty of times where Alice (the main character of this book) was narrating context to herself like she didn’t grow up in the difficult time she was dealing with in this book. It felt more like the author was trying to point us as readers on where the plot was going by using the characters to explain everything to us.

The characters in this book would also say something obvious like “you should hurry back before they close the gates”, and then the characters would stall just to remind us how brutal that era in humanity really was.

But overall I enjoyed this book, because it gives us a glimpse on how it was to be a woman in the mid-1600s England, with all the witch accusing and very strict rules for women were running wild. If you are interested in that time period as me personally, you should give this book a shot even though it isn’t the best book on this time period. But it does give us a unique point of view into this time period.

[Kelly]

Thank you to Net Galley and Mindbuck Media for providing a digital review copy (DRC). My opinions are voluntary and honest.

This is a story of a young woman named Alice who stands accused of being a witch in 1670 England; historical fiction inspired by true events about women and witchcraft in England. While I admired her will and strength, I often found myself thinking no, don't do that as the tale unfolded, fearing she would in fact find herself accused (even though the title of the book really says it all) but also wondering how she did the things she did and got away with it for so long, especially since she spoke of it to others and did not practice alone. I hoped for more of a character arc for Alice, who while well-intentioned, often seems to be unable to get out of her own way.

The great parts of the book are the setting, time, and circumstances of the FMC, and Ms. Molland does a fine job describing this for the reader's imagination. She deftly sets the scenes to understand how over the course of time, a cunning woman or healer or midwife while needed and valued by her community, could then be quickly turned upon.

There is also much historical accuracy, and many times I paused reading to quickly look something up (such as life under Oliver Cromwell) that provided additional understanding. As an amateur student of British history, I appreciated this, but then was left both confused and surprised at the forthcoming inaccurate details, which are the crux of the story. Mild spoilers ahead.

When presenting the actual things Alice does that are in fact considered pagan (little P intended), she describes in accurate 20th century detail the practice of Wicca, a Neo-Pagan religion begun in the 1940's-50's by Englishman Gerald Gardner - casting a circle, calling forth the elements, even the items placed on an altar and referring to deity as Lord and Lady - is entirely Wiccan, something that simply did not exist in the 17th century, and therefore should not be placed in a historical novel based on a historical figure, albeit fiction. Readers who have studied or practiced any sort of modern earth-based religion/spiritual practice/witchcraft will recognize this immediately; it sticks out like a sore thumb from the rest of the story. The author even names the leader of the group that worships together at night under every full moon in an oak tree grove Sybil, an obvious nod to Sybil Leek who also lived and practiced in Burley as did Gardner; the two surely knew of each other. Sure enough, the author lists Leek's books as part of her research for writing the book. Other historical inaccuracies that played a small but supporting part: describing meditation and then Alice herself using that word, and activated charcoal - again, something that was not used at that time, nor had a name.

I also found it unbelievable that Alice would attempt to fake her son's death (even if it was to save him) in such a risky way, and that her friends and family would help her to do so, but did like that Alice took her fate into her own hands at the end, though. Overall, I liked the book but the creative licensing by the author's placing 20th century practices in 17th century England was a let-down. I suppose the tag line "inspired by true events" meant events over the course of a few different centuries, blended together for a witchy brew.

[Lupe Farkas]

It’s historical fiction you want? Well, The Making of a Witch delivered. Go read it Now!!! 🌺

Now, before I start my review:
Dear seventeenth-century England, you were deeply unwell. 🧐

Usually, I am not a big fan of books that begin with the main character’s childhood. I often find them boring or not very precise: adults trying to write for children, but making them sound either too grown-up or too conveniently innocent. But in this case, Judy Molland did a great job. 👏

Alice’s childhood voice felt real to me. The way a child’s mind moves from one topic to another, thinking about A, suddenly jumping to B, coming back to A, and somehow ending with C, made complete sense. I remember thinking like that as a child and never feeling lost inside my own head. I don’t think I have often read a book that captures that movement so easily and naturally.

Another thing I usually don’t enjoy is when children in books sound like Anne of Green Gables, constantly talking, talking, talking. I find that kind of child character annoying, so when Alice began asking questions, I was afraid the book might go in that direction. But it didn’t. The author managed to bring to life a smart, clever child without making her annoying or sounding like an adult. That is a big thumbs-up from me.

I also loved how Alice’s voice changed as she grew older. It was wonderfully written, to the point where I wanted to jump into the book and say, “Alice, please stop being so hard-headed!” I suffered many times waiting for the worst to happen. And again, the author showed her skill by taking the reader right to the edge, making me want to stop reading for a moment because I was afraid of what might come next, and then letting me breathe again.

That feeling stayed with me until the end: “Oh no, that’s bad… okay, okay, Alice is fine.” I was nervous and scared for Alice many times, and that is a good thing because it shows how much I cared about her.

I gave the book 4 stars because, at times, it felt a little slow and repetitive. In those moments, I needed more tension. I needed more stress. I wanted the story to push me harder. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

But I have tremendous respect for the writer because the amount of research behind this book is very clear, from herbalism to full-moon practices to the real historical events connected to Exeter. You can feel the work, the care, and the seriousness behind the story.

I cried at the end when I found out why Judy Molland wrote the book. Suddenly, the passion and love I had felt while reading made complete sense. 🌺

So yes, 4 stars, mostly because of those slower moments when I got bored. But I might change my mind in a few days, because I really did enjoy the read.

Thank you to NetGalley, She Writes Press, and Judy Molland for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah Zunic]

The following is an abridged version of my review. The full length version can be found on www.readinghasruinedmylife.com

Thank you to She Writes Press for sending me advanced copy of The Making of a Witch. She Writes Press is not paying me for my review, they just sent me the book for free. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Making of a Witch has mentions of animal abuse along with rape and sexual assault. While these topics are not discussed in detail, please note allusions to these topics are made throughout the novel.

At its core, The Making of a Witch is the story of one woman’s want of more out of life and enduring in a society intent on othering and punishing her for her intelligence. The Making of a Witch highlights how women were made to endure in silence lest the hardships grow worse. It’s a story that is sadly always relevant.

Judy Molland used her ancestor, Alice Molland, and her witchcraft charge as the basis for this novel and the main character. But Alice Molland is fully fictional personality wise, and she’s the exact character I want to root for. Alice is intelligent, willful, and loyal to her loved ones. But she’s not a perfect character. When it comes down to it, she’s all about self-preservation. She knows when it’s time to leave and fight another day.

While I love the main character and story at large, I do have issues with this novel. Namely the transitions. The transitions are clunky. The scenes do not flow. One will end and the following will abruptly start. The scenes are far too fragmented.

And issues with the writing don’t end there. So many things are often repeated to readers. Every character who cares for Alice must remind her not to make herself a target for witch hunters by being bold with her healing skills. I do not need that reminder drilled into me. This story is set in 17th century England. Even if I didn’t know much about England’s history of the time, I am able to use context clues to know things weren’t great for women at the time; especially women who were othered like Alice. Show, don’t tell.

Thank you once again to She Writes Press for sending me a copy of The Making of a Witch. I really appreciate it when someone out there wants to send me books. Thank you, thank you!
Again, the full length version of my review can be found on my site www.readinghasruinedmylife.com. I post new reviews every Wednesday at noon EST.

[Beth | bethisbookedup✨]

The Making of a Witch is a haunting tale of accusation, desperation, survival and loss. This is for readers, who want a moody, historical novel that centres the stories of young women.

Inspired by true events, the author Judy Molland, explores her ancestor’s story from ‘magical healer’ to suspected witch, in a time where the label witch led to the noose. We follow our protagonist, Alice Molland, as she comes of age in seventeenth-century Exeter, amongst civil wars, religious changes and different rulers. When forbidden love tangles with desire and hope, Alice becomes a target, suspected and accused of witchcraft from those in her community, who she once laughed and shared her days with. Her desperation for survival is profound and her confusion palpable. After all, she is just a girl who wants to belong, understand the world, make sense of the elements that bring her to life and heal those in need of her help.

Expect a poignant read about a female character grappling with responsibility, desire and devastation, in a misogynistic world, that ignores the hopes and dreams of a young, poor girl, who is taken advantage of at every twist and turn. You can’t help but fall in love with Alice Molland and deeply wish for her success; it’s a page turner interlaced with strong character development, heart-wrenching sympathy and a historically accurate plot.

At times the prose feels a little lacking and under-developed, but I feel this reflected the voice of our protagonist who we meet at 10 years old, and as she grows so does the sophistication of the writing, which reflects her growing knowledge and understanding of the world around her, so stick with it! The way Molland deals with the trials and tribulations of our female main character, and the beautifully pain-staking way she engages with Alice's craft is compassionate and warm.

If you love historical fiction and elements of magic and witchcraft grounded in herbs, the elements and pagan rituals, then this read will bring some of this magic alive in your own life, whilst speaking to wider themes of historical tension.

In my opinion, this could be a read you book yourself up! I would give this read 3.5 stars :)

[Linda]

Alice Molland is a sensitive ten-year-old when she is forced to witness the hanging of an old family friend. Diana Luscombe was a skilled herbalist and healer who taught Alice what she knew until malicious neighbors accused her of being a witch. This was a death sentence in seventeenth century Exeter and Alice never forgets her loss. Although she spends most of her days carding wool with her mother and sister, Alice grows up to become a well-known herbalist and healer.

I love historical fiction and I am particularly drawn to stories about spirituality so I expected to enjoy this book. Unfortunately, it is written in a disjointed style and the characters never really ring true. Alice is supposed to be a leader but she is actually kind of a ninny, given to snap judgements based on the flimsiest of reasons. One minute people are her dearest friends and then, suddenly, they are seen as enemies . It takes her far too long to figure out situations that should have been obvious. Alice is hardly an innocent victim of prejudice against women; her acts of rebellion involve behavior she knows to be illegal They accomplish nothing and endanger her friends and family.

The other problem with this book is that it is historically inaccurate. While I have no knowledge of herbal lore, I do know enough about the history of witchcraft to understand that citing Sybil Lee as an authority on the subject is absurd. (Lee was influential when writing about twentieth century witchcraft, but her claims of ancestral lineage have been proven false.) The insertion of the head of a group of moon worshippers (their rites are pretty clearly borrowed from modern sources) named Sybil, who has a pet jackdaw, is an obvious homage to Ms. Lee. Cute, but not very credible.

I did finish The Making of a Witch because I was interested in its depiction of the life of poor people under Oliver Cromwell and King Charles the Second. Women always got the worst of things and I hoped to read a book about a heroine who made a real difference. Alice Molland, as portrayed by her descendent, was not that heroine.

I would like to thank NetGalley and She Writes Press for the opportunity to access a free advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Nikki]

Thank you to NetGalley for NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

The Making of a Witch, by Judy Molland, is about a 17th-century child living the best life her family can afford…which isn’t much.

Young Alice must watch as the people who raised her and taught her right from wrong are persecuted in the name of religion and power. Like most women of her time, Alice is caught between attempting to adhere to societal norms for the sake of survival and living her life in whatever way brings her peace.

As Alice grows up, she begins to turn from what is expected of her and instead embraces a freedom and comfort she always felt but could never quite grasp. Her knowledge as a healer grows, but so do suspicions that Alice is more than a simple healer.

Regardless, Alice forges her own path in the world and falls prey to what all young people eventually must face: their own naivety.

Left with nothing, Alice is forced to rebuild. Once again, Alice is forced to forge her own path. She continues to offer her healing services but all the love and genuine care she offers is again met with suspicion and mistrust.

Can Alice find peace or is she doomed to a life of struggle and prejudice?

The Making of a Witch was a good read with suspenseful moments. There were also enjoyable peaceful sections, and times when emotions ran high. The scenes and pacing felt natural, almost like the reader is enjoying a small peek into the average life of the average woman of the time.

This title receives 3/5 stars because it is, at heart, a simple story about a simple woman who lived a simple life. Her ups and downs were very similar to other women of the time, and some of the prejudices still ring true today. The antagonists aren’t fully fleshed out, and the ending feels so very final that all I could do was steep in my emotions for a few days. At no point does the reader get to celebrate a “win” with Alice, but it felt very intentional. I will likely not read this story again, but I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read it this time.

[Mohini]

*4.5 rounded up

"The Making of a Witch" delivered on its premise a hundred times over. The book begins with an execution and while it does move a bit slower afterward, the tension is never broken as it follows Alice, the witch trying to hone her powers in the highly patriarchal town of Exeter. One of the strongest feelings it incited- and certainly meant to- was this simmering anger all throughout the narrative as Molland shows how a girl's life could be ruined, not only by accusations against her, but by the suppression of her inner self.

Alice was an incredible protagonist to root for, innately sympathetic but descending into an arc that made her nuanced and compelling. I will admit that I initially felt more connected to her by reading about how she approached her craft than with her emotions. However, she sucked me into her world very quickly after the first couple of scenes as the book began unfolding. The book may have been slow,-paced as we got to learn more about the village, its traditions, and people, it was the furthest thing from boring. I tore through the pages easily as Alice developed her craft, fled Exeter, and became both fearsome and strong. It employs one of my favorite arcs, a character's descent into power and I found Alice's emotions, both the fear and the rage, painfully real.

I thought this book also did a very solid job of fleshing out the supporting characters, especially for the author's first fiction book. Characters like Caleb, Matthew, Alice's father, Catherine, and Tommy all felt real and it was fascinating to see how the society they were in impacted their lives as well. Too often, I see background characters solely used to prop up the main character's experiences, but Molland made hers feel just as real as the historical figures. It's also not often I get to see pacing of the story executed as well as Molland did, but it was tightly-edited and flowed to make "The Making of a Witch" almost compulsively readable. One of the most masterful debuts I've ever read.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

[L is for Lara]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

I'm afraid this was a DNF for me at 25%.

I loved the premise and have a genuine interest in the period. After reading a great deal of historical fiction set in the courts of Mary and Elizabeth, I was looking forward to discovering more about life outside the castle walls: what it meant to live through those days of Protestant fervour, suspicion of Catholics, and the ever-present threat facing women who could be cast as otherworldly, enticing, beguiling - or simply by token of being female - a witch!

Unfortunately, the writing felt quite immature. Not because the story is told from Alice's perspective as a ten-year-old, but because even within the first chapter I found myself grated by the continual mentions of Goody/Goodwife/Diana Luscombe. The character and context had already been established, yet we were reminded of it repeatedly, as if the author was anxious we might forget why we were there.

I also felt the exposition was poorly handled. Whether it is characters talking through information they would all have known perfectly well, or Alice narrating context to herself that she would simply have lived and breathed, it reads as a vehicle for the reader rather than a natural part of the story. Alice's mother tells her father: "And hurry! You must return before the eight o'clock curfew, when they will close the gate." As an isolated instance it would pass without comment, but it happens again and again, and it reads as unnatural each time.

The prose style itself also felt very fragmented: paragraphs were very broken and, at times, moved from one subject to the next in quick succession, almost like a chronology. 'Then this happened, then this, here is some background, now this other thing is occurring.'. It needed a much stronger editorial hand.

I'm sure it will be a great read for others, but it wasn't for me. The story didn't capture enough interest to carry me through the experience. I'll continue to hunt for another book on the subject.

[Ciara Hartman]

📝 ARC Review: I appreciated that this story was based off of true events. The FMC was based off of a relative of the author. (So make sure to read the authors note at the end of the book!)

It’s 17th Century England. Ten year old Alice Molland is forced to watch as her good friend, an elderly healer, is hanged for witchcraft. Alice begins to question the existence of god and wonder why women are always the ones to be killed. Even bringing up the point of women being hanged for adultery, yet the men go free.

As she grows up, it’s one hardship and trauma after another. Death and fear abound, but Alice is determined to be strong. Yet at 16 she finds herself on the run as a single mother. Eight years later, the past comes back to instill new fear and terror in her heart and concern for her son’s safety.

This story was heavy and heartbreaking. It does not have a happy ending. At times, especially towards the beginning of the book, the dialogue seemed very disjointed. But overall, I felt this was well written to showcase the horrors women suffered. Being accused of witchcraft simply because they used plants to heal and help. Not being understood for showing appreciation to nature rather than worshipping in church. - Women were treated horribly and as inferior, something that sadly still abounds today.

Genre: Historical Fiction/Women’s Fiction
POV: Third Person; Single
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Release Date: June 9, 2026

Vibes: Heart heavy tragedy.

Tropes 👇

- 17th century England
- Witch hunts
- Questioning existence of god
- Bigotry against women
- Falling for the enemy
- Naive teenage FMC
- Single mother
- Healing arts
- Betrayal

CW’s 👇

- Hanging(s)
- Death of a pet
- Murder/shooting
- Teen pregnancy
- Loss of loved ones
- Poisoning/suicide
- Attempt to take a child from its parent

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Leanne]

The Making of a Witch is a moving and atmospheric historical novel that brings seventeenth‑century Exeter vividly to life. Judy Molland blends fact and fiction with a gentle, steady hand, creating a story that feels both intimate and sweeping in its emotional reach.

Alice Molland is a captivating protagonist from the moment we meet her—a ten‑year‑old girl forced to witness the brutal execution of her mentor, Goody Luscombe. That opening scene sets the tone for a novel steeped in fear, superstition, and the dangerous scrutiny placed on women who dared to heal, to help, or simply to exist outside the narrow expectations of their time.

As Alice grows into her gifts as a healer, the novel becomes a rich exploration of herbal knowledge, community, and the fragile line between respect and suspicion. Molland’s descriptions of Alice’s craft—mugwort, comfrey, slippery elm—are tender and immersive, grounding the story in the everyday magic of the natural world. But that same gift becomes her greatest vulnerability in an age where misogyny and fear rule the courts.

The tension builds slowly and elegantly. A prominent merchant’s accusations, a love spell gone wrong, an unexpected pregnancy—each step draws Alice closer to danger, and Molland handles her descent with empathy and nuance. The historical detail is vivid without ever overwhelming the emotional heart of the story.

What truly stands out is the novel’s compassion. It honours the real women who suffered under witchcraft accusations, while giving Alice a voice full of strength, longing, and quiet defiance.

A poignant, atmospheric, and beautifully crafted novel that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for readers who love historical fiction rooted in truth, women’s resilience, and the enduring power of healing.

My thanks to Judy Molland, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Lindsey Barger]

Thank you NetGalley and She Writes Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Alice Molland has been learning healing practices under Goodwife Luscombe—until her mentor is executed for witchcraft. Left to decide whether to continue that dangerous path, Alice must navigate a world shaped by fear, superstition, and strict social hierarchies.
In The Making of a Witch, Judy Molland crafts an engaging historical story rooted in seventeenth-century England, exploring the risks of healing, gender expectations, and class divisions. The detailed use of herbal remedies and period practices adds authenticity and depth to the setting.
While I appreciated the historical elements and unique coming-of-age perspective, I struggled to fully connect with Alice and some of the supporting characters. At times, their motivations felt unclear, and certain plot points were heavily foreshadowed, which made parts of the story predictable. Some repetition and difficult terminology also disrupted the flow for me.
Overall, this is a solid historical fiction read with an interesting premise and strong atmosphere, though it didn’t fully resonate on an emotional level. I give The Making of a Witch 4 out of 5 stars.
With death, assault, and discussions of off-page sexual assaults, this book would be best suited for readers over the age of 13. Readers who enjoy Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic series, particularly Magic Lessons. I would also recommend this book to readers who are looking to learn more about how natural remedies began and were used before modern medicines were developed, or anyone who enjoys fiction set around the courts of Oliver Cromwell or Charles II.

[✩｡°⋆ Lala ⋆｡°✩]

•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•

[The Making of a Witch]
🔥 Release Date: Jun 09 2026 🔥
Thank you to She Writes Press, Judy Molland, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

★★★★☆

✦ About the book:
The Making of a Witch follows Alice Molland, a woman living during the 1600–1700s when accusations of witchcraft could destroy lives and reputations. What makes the story especially interesting is that Alice Molland is a distant ancestor of the author, Judy Molland, which adds another layer of historical connection to the narrative. As Alice navigates a world where women could be accused at any moment, the story explores the fear, superstition, and misogyny that fueled many historical witch trials.

✦ What stood out to me most was:
The atmosphere gave me strong vibes of the film The VVitch, with its eerie historical setting and constant sense of unease. The magic system felt grounded and natural rather than dramatic or theatrical. Instead of strange spells or over-the-top rituals, it focuses more on the body’s connection to the earth and nature, which made the magic feel believable and rooted in modern witchcraft.

✦ At its core, this book is really about:
Power, identity, and the long history of women being punished for stepping outside the roles society expected of them. It explores how fear functioned as a means of control and how accusations of witchcraft could be weaponized against women who were seen as different. Beneath the historical setting, the story examines autonomy, resilience, and the quiet strength women carried even in the face of injustice.

[Bookish Emili Reads]

The Making of a Witch is a charming and thoughtful exploration of self‑discovery wrapped in a magical coming‑of‑age tale. Judy Molland delivers a story that feels both warm and inviting, with an emphasis on personal growth, intuition, and the quiet power of finding one’s place in the world.

The novel shines most in its character‑driven moments. The protagonist’s journey into witchcraft is less about fantastical spectacle and more about learning to trust herself, embrace her gifts, and navigate the emotional complexities of adolescence. Molland writes with sincerity, making the internal transformation feel authentic and relatable.

The magical elements are gentle and accessible—spells, rituals, and mystical traditions that serve as metaphors for empowerment rather than elaborate world‑building. This softer approach gives the story a grounded, introspective feel, perfect for young readers or anyone who prefers magic with emotional resonance rather than high‑stakes drama.

That said, readers looking for a more intricate plot or deeper exploration of the magical system may find the book somewhat light. The pacing is steady but predictable, and some moments resolve a bit too neatly. Still, the themes of self‑acceptance, belonging, and personal responsibility shine through beautifully.

Overall, The Making of a Witch is a heartfelt, uplifting read with a gentle magical touch. While not as complex as some fantasy titles, it offers a lovely, reflective story that many readers will appreciate.

[Soha Amer]

This book feels like stepping into a storm where history, fear, and quiet feminine power collide 😩📚

Set in seventeenth-century England, this is a haunting and emotional story inspired by true events, following Alice Molland as she grows up in a world where being different is enough to be condemned 🖤

From a young age, Alice is exposed to the brutal reality of witch accusations when she is forced to witness the execution of her mentor in the healing arts. That moment shapes everything that follows 🌙

As she grows older, Alice’s knowledge of herbs and healing makes her both respected and feared. What should be a gift becomes a danger in a society that does not understand or accept women with power 🕯️

Her life takes a painful turn when love, betrayal, and survival intertwine. Richard Greenway’s rejection and the accusations that follow push her into a world where she must fight not only for her reputation, but for her very existence 😭

What stood out most was how deeply this story explores the theme of female persecution and resilience. Alice is not just surviving accusations of witchcraft — she is surviving a world built to silence women like her 🖤

Her journey into healing, community, and spiritual practice adds another layer to the story, showing how fear can distort what is actually wisdom and knowledge 🌿✨

This is a powerful, atmospheric, and emotional historical fiction that highlights the strength of women in a time when their power was seen as dangerous 🖤

[Lisa]

I have been struggling with writing a review of The Making of a Witch, set in Essex in the mid-17th century. The main character, Alice Molland, is one of the author's ancestors. This powerful novel is well-written and deeply researched, addressing not only the dangers faced by women healers but also the unfair practices within the Essex wool industry. The wealthy wool merchants depended on women who cleaned, carded, and spun raw wool into high-quality yarn, but they were paid starvation wages.

"You are strong and have mighty ambitions. But you need to take care not to draw attention to yourself. The men in charge here do not like girls who are too sure of themselves." This is the advice Alice's mother gives her when Alice expresses a desire to be the best healer in Essex. This book begins with the hanging of an innocent "witch," so I wasn't expecting a light read, but this is a dark, grim tale from beginning to end. And if you are a woman, it is especially difficult to read Alice's story. Perhaps that is exactly as it should be to honor the life of Alice Mollard and thousands of women just like her.

My thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the opportunity to read this ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.

[Olivia]

I really wanted to love The Making of a Witch by Judy Molland... I'm always drawn to stories about “witches,” especially when they’re rooted in real history. The premise had so much promise, and there were definitely moments where it delivered.

The story follows Alice, who is forced to witness the execution of her mentor for witchcraft—an opening that immediately grabbed my attention. From there, Alice clings to her mentor’s teachings and grows into a respected healer.

That said, the first half of the book felt choppy to me. It read more like a series of loosely connected events rather than a smoothly flowing narrative, which made it harder to fully connect with Alice or feel grounded in her journey. Alice's choices were very questionable, and I found myself getting very annoyed by her character.

The second half, however, was a noticeable improvement. The pacing picked up, the story became more engaging, and I found myself much more invested.

Overall, this was a mixed read for me. I loved the concept and appreciated where the story eventually went, but I wish the execution had been more consistent throughout. Still, if you enjoy historical fiction with a witchcraft angle, this might be worth picking up.

[Chantal Agapiti]

Historical fiction has grown to be one of my favorite genres.
What made this one extra special is that the FMC of this book is the ancestor of the writer.
She wrote this book after taking time to research and study documents.

The story is told in a third person point of view as we follow the life of Alice.
It starts as she is a young child growing up amid harsh times in England’s 17th Century.
We follow the story of her growing up, learning from her mother how to become a healer.

She’s a passionate young girl, strong minded and those features will cause her trouble.
Women who spoke their mind and had a gift with medicine would often be feared.
They would be called evil witches as if they were accusing you of being dumb.
Just a rumor spread for any reason could be the end of you.

As a woman, such tales of what really happened to empowered women back then, is both infuriating and sad.
Their strong spirit should be an inspiration as they paid the ultimate price for being free as we are today.

Thank you to the author for her courage, and to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me this opportunity.

[The Lit]

This review has me feeling like I’ve been caught in a slow-brewing spell! The Making of a Witch offers an intriguing story, but the rhythm didn't quite match my personal reading magic this time.
​I’m giving this a 3.5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐✨
​The Review:
Overall, this is a good story with a lot of potential. However, the pace was very slow for my taste, which made it difficult for me to truly connect with the narrative. I found myself having to sort of force my way through to the finish line, though the core of the plot remained interesting enough to keep me going.
​The Good:
The world-building and the concept of "making" a witch are quite fascinating. If you are a reader who enjoys a very methodical, slow-burn approach to character development and atmospheric settings, you might find this pace more rewarding than I did.
​The Not-So-Good:
The slow momentum meant that the emotional stakes didn't always land as effectively as they could have. For a story centered on magic and transformation, I was hoping for a bit more urgency to drive the plot forward

[LittleRead]

Coming from a long line of green witches, I find myself drawn to anything related to history and herbalism. Often times I read historical fiction and it leaves much to be desired, but not in this instance. The author weaves her story with fact and fiction to deliver a book that has you wanting to travel back in time to smash the patriarchy and save the innocent women who sacrificed to make men feel better about themselves. And then you realize that while no longer executing women, the patriarchy still exists today. A sad, but true fact.

The story itself immerses you into seventeenth century Exeter and brings Alice’s story to life. You’ll find yourself longing to be outside with nature and thinking about this one long after you finish it. This is why I love historical fiction…when an author takes facts, gets them right, and then wraps ands weaves a story around them rather than changing facts to suit their story telling instead. Well written and all of the characters come to life, not just Alice.

[Diana C. Kobylak]

Review of Advances copy from NetGalley.

The story details fictional accounts of why Alice Molland might have been accused of being a witch. What I found was an almost a character assassination of Alice Molland. I was hoping to read about an innocent Alice who followed all the rules yet the odds were stacked against her.

I found the violent scene about dogs killing a cat and the fixations on sex and urine unnecessary. The story is told from a child’s perspective, but has adult undertones.

I tried to find something positive and likable about the story and the protagonist but found bitterness and negativity throughout, especially towards every church official. Priests during that time also suffered persecution.

The story would benefit from consistency, a thematic thread, and editing for grammar and repetition
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is an informative juvenile book where Puritans accuse an innocent Quaker woman of being a witch because she is different providing a glimpse of history.

[Brooke]

This book took me a while to finish up, but it’s not because I didn’t enjoy it!!

This was a really amazing historical fiction book, the way not only Alice, but other women in this book were treated for doing essentially nothing was actually jaw dropping to me, it was awful. Being accused of witchcraft I knew was a big deal back then, but I only knew of it happening in Salem, Massachusetts and a few other places. I figured it happened in other places as well, but I never learned about any of it so I was unaware of how often it happened. It was so cruel to read about how Alice was treated as a healer and just as a woman in general. I had a lot of anger during this book specifically when it came to Richard and Alice’s relationship, I felt so many emotions while reading it. Learning about Alice’s life was so interesting and I really enjoyed my time reading this book! The ending made me sad, but the journey was amazing! I’m really glad Judy Molland shared this story about her ancestor!!

Thank you NetGalley and Mindbuck Media for this ebook! I definitely recommend it!!

[Reader]

The Making of a Witch follows the life of Alice Molland, the last woman to be tried and killed for witchcraft in England. It takes the bare bones of the recorded history and weaves a tale of class differences and misogyny. Alice comes from a poor family who are part of the wool trade in Exeter who falls in love with the son of a merchant during the end of the Cromwell Commonwealth and the start of the Restoration.
Alice is a very believable character and the setting is good, however as I live in Exeter it was obvious at a couple of points that the author was using a 17th century map to describe locations, which was a little jarring, hence my drop in rating this. However as a study of how women who were classed as witches because of some kind of dispute with a neighbour this is an excellent example, describing the fear Alice feels as the plot moves to its conclusion.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

[Angela of Blackthorn]

They were not witches, they were women!

Well-written and easy to read, this book felt authentic to the time period in which it was set.

One of the book’s central themes: injustice on multiple levels. The story highlights how vulnerable people—especially the poor and women—were often exploited for the benefit of those with greater power and influence.

The main character is a healer, a role that also makes her a businesswoman. Throughout much of history, skilled and independent women have often faced suspicion or hostility from men who felt threatened by them. In the era depicted in this novel, one of the easiest ways to discredit, control, or seek revenge against a woman was to accuse her of witchcraft.

It is also important to remember that during this period, access to education was limited, and there was often harsh judgment toward those who lived outside the norms of Christianity. These social realities play a significant role in shaping the events of the story.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and appreciated its exploration of power, prejudice, and injustice. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction with meaningful social themes.
 

[Amie Mak]

The Making of a Witch follows Alice on the path to becoming a renowned healer, during a time where healing was synonymous with witchcraft. Alice’s ambitions put her and her family in constant jeopardy.

The author successfully paints an authentic historical backdrop that feels grounded and well researched. The author also explores the systemic challenges and treatment of women during the 1600s which I found interesting. Unfortunately the story felt disjointed and struggled to establish a cohesive narrative. I found myself waiting for the spark that would fully immerse me in Alice's world and it failed to materialize.

Personally, this book did not have me hooked, but if you enjoy historical narratives with a touch of fantasy, this may be the right fit for you!

Thank you She Writes Press, Judy Molland, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Mima Tipper]

In this 17th century story, author Judy Molland delivers an engaging and deeply researched historical tale about witchcraft told through the eyes of her ancestor Alice Molland. We meet Alice when she is young and just beginning to learn about healing practices, and quickly come to empathize with her as she bears witness not only to the illnesses of the times—and people’s desire for cures—but also to the frightening (to me) political and religious mandates that seek to eradicate people who have these skills, calling them witches. I loved the parts especially where Alice describes the plants, flowers and methods of the healing craft. For readers who enjoy historical fiction, this novel is an intriguing look at healers of a long ago age, while never shying away from the gritty challenges of those days, especially for women. Very compelling!

[Chrystal Mahan]

This was such an engaging and emotional read. The Making of a Witch really pulls you into a time when fear and misunderstanding could completely change someone’s life.

I loved the focus on herbal healing and how something meant to help people could so quickly turn into suspicion. It added a really interesting layer to the story and made everything feel more real.

Alice’s journey is heartbreaking at times, especially seeing how early experiences shape the rest of her life. You can really feel the tension and danger building as the story goes on.

The only reason for four stars is that I would have liked a little more depth in some of the relationships, but overall it was a strong and memorable read.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a darker edge and stories about resilience, this is definitely worth picking up.