What do you think?
Rate this book
The Widdershin Widow
A Gothic tale of grief, obsession, and the perilous comfort of solitude.
History does love to repeat itself.
Widdershin Isle—cursed by locals, forgotten by history.
Violet Bow accepts a quiet position cataloguing the vast library at Widdershin House, hoping for a fresh start. But the island is not the solitude she expects. Creatures scratch within the walls. The wind wails like a woman in mourning. Ghosts roam the fog. And the long-dead mistress of the house—branded a witch and hunted by her husband—still whispers through its decaying halls.
As Violet uncovers lost journals, hidden root cellars, and warnings buried beneath centuries of ivy and fear, she begins to see echoes of her own life reflected in the island’s grim past. But the more she learns, the more the house seems to breathe, to watch, to want.
When Violet’s past finally catches up with her, she must decide what kind of woman she’ll be—the dutiful wife the world expects, or something far more dangerous.
History does love to repeat itself.
Widdershin Isle—cursed by locals, forgotten by history.
Violet Bow accepts a quiet position cataloguing the vast library at Widdershin House, hoping for a fresh start. But the island is not the solitude she expects. Creatures scratch within the walls. The wind wails like a woman in mourning. Ghosts roam the fog. And the long-dead mistress of the house—branded a witch and hunted by her husband—still whispers through its decaying halls.
As Violet uncovers lost journals, hidden root cellars, and warnings buried beneath centuries of ivy and fear, she begins to see echoes of her own life reflected in the island’s grim past. But the more she learns, the more the house seems to breathe, to watch, to want.
When Violet’s past finally catches up with her, she must decide what kind of woman she’ll be—the dutiful wife the world expects, or something far more dangerous.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2025
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Jamie M. Samland
13 books47 followersAuthor also writes under J.M. Samland
Jamie M Samland is a fantasy author based in Canton, MI, USA. He is passionate about creating vivid worlds and compelling characters that transport readers to new realms of imagination. Drawing inspiration from his love of storytelling, Jamie spends his free time playing board games, roleplaying with friends, and indulging in other hobbies like martial arts and home repair. When he is not writing, Jamie is often found lost in thought, dreaming up new and exciting stories to share with readers.
Jamie M Samland is a fantasy author based in Canton, MI, USA. He is passionate about creating vivid worlds and compelling characters that transport readers to new realms of imagination. Drawing inspiration from his love of storytelling, Jamie spends his free time playing board games, roleplaying with friends, and indulging in other hobbies like martial arts and home repair. When he is not writing, Jamie is often found lost in thought, dreaming up new and exciting stories to share with readers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 10, 2025
I received an ARC of this book.
This book takes you on Violet's adventure to figure out what freedom truly means.
"The world is not kind. You are the only person you can rely on. If you don’t love yourself, that’s a void nothing else will fill.”
I liked Violet. She was a good protagonist who was fighting an internal struggle against what she feels versus what she thinks she should. She's a woman with realistic dreams and expectations fighting against a world that ultimately doesn't set women up to succeed.
It's easy to root for her and want to see her be successful in her end goal, which is ultimately very simple
Escaping Abuse.
Unfortunately, something I think far too many women can relate with even today.
This book takes you on Violet's adventure to figure out what freedom truly means.
"The world is not kind. You are the only person you can rely on. If you don’t love yourself, that’s a void nothing else will fill.”
I liked Violet. She was a good protagonist who was fighting an internal struggle against what she feels versus what she thinks she should. She's a woman with realistic dreams and expectations fighting against a world that ultimately doesn't set women up to succeed.
It's easy to root for her and want to see her be successful in her end goal, which is ultimately very simple
Escaping Abuse.
Unfortunately, something I think far too many women can relate with even today.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
Violet flees to a remote island for a library job, and soon discovers rumoured curses, ghostly tragedies, and a haunting atmosphere in her temporary island residence.
It combines rumours, myths, and the imposed limitations on women, into a ghostly tale of survival and freedom.
Violet was a little naive and trusting at times, particularly for someone on the run from an abusive husband, but I admired her determination and sense of adventure, and her quick thinking to avoid capture and to desecalate situations.
It's a historic style mystery thriller, in a gothic setting.
It combines rumours, myths, and the imposed limitations on women, into a ghostly tale of survival and freedom.
Violet was a little naive and trusting at times, particularly for someone on the run from an abusive husband, but I admired her determination and sense of adventure, and her quick thinking to avoid capture and to desecalate situations.
It's a historic style mystery thriller, in a gothic setting.
December 8, 2025
This tale of a woman trying to escape her past and earn her way to freedom certainly has the gothic atmosphere to set your teeth on edge.
Violet Bow finds herself sent to the fictitious Widdershin Island off of Chatham, Massachusetts, in order to catalogue a library of potentially rare books in a crumbling old house formerly owned by a local legend; legendary for being eccentric and unpersonable, to put it mildly. If she takes this job, she'll earn all the money she needs to escape an unhappy marriage and start afresh. But the Widdershin estate isn't the most hospitable of places; remote, worn down by the near constant waves of storm clouds rolling in off the Atlantic, and rumored to be cursed by a colonial era witch, it looks to be a challenging time. The house is slow to unveil its secrets to Violet, just as she is slow to reveal her own.
The historical setting makes for the perfect location for a gothic book. Old mystery house full of weird books and bad memories? Sounds good. It was this mysterious aspect of the story that really drew me in. We get to know a little about Violet early on, but the estate remains an enigma. Who were the family who lived there? Is there any truth in the whispers of a vengeful witch set on killing her husband? It's proper creeping suspenseful stuff. The little details captured in paintings, the hidden news clippings and journal pages, dusty belongings and unusual decor choices all help to build a picture. Violet learns to recognise the pain of the women trapped on the island, and her empathy for them runs true. I even wish there could have been a bit more about the family and how it came to leave Widdershin so desolate. I need more answers
What didn't work so well for me was Violet's character. Considering she's escaping a husband, she seems to give her trust and find it easy to talk back to any man who has opinions of the time (women only just gained the vote and lots of men thought even that was too much; you know the period). Her relationship with one male character in particular didn't ring true for me as I just couldn't see a woman in her position approaching these things so easily and without more than a moment of abstract fear. Perhaps with how on the nose some parts could feel, it's why the women's emancipation part of the story didn't feel quite as strong to me.
It was a dark and moving mystery, excavating past wrongs against women that get perpetuated throughout history while also telling it's own twisted story. If you like slow burn revelations of mysterious pasts with plenty of atmosphere there is a lot to like about this book.
I received an ARC of this e-book from the author. This does not influence my review
Violet Bow finds herself sent to the fictitious Widdershin Island off of Chatham, Massachusetts, in order to catalogue a library of potentially rare books in a crumbling old house formerly owned by a local legend; legendary for being eccentric and unpersonable, to put it mildly. If she takes this job, she'll earn all the money she needs to escape an unhappy marriage and start afresh. But the Widdershin estate isn't the most hospitable of places; remote, worn down by the near constant waves of storm clouds rolling in off the Atlantic, and rumored to be cursed by a colonial era witch, it looks to be a challenging time. The house is slow to unveil its secrets to Violet, just as she is slow to reveal her own.
The historical setting makes for the perfect location for a gothic book. Old mystery house full of weird books and bad memories? Sounds good. It was this mysterious aspect of the story that really drew me in. We get to know a little about Violet early on, but the estate remains an enigma. Who were the family who lived there? Is there any truth in the whispers of a vengeful witch set on killing her husband? It's proper creeping suspenseful stuff. The little details captured in paintings, the hidden news clippings and journal pages, dusty belongings and unusual decor choices all help to build a picture. Violet learns to recognise the pain of the women trapped on the island, and her empathy for them runs true. I even wish there could have been a bit more about the family and how it came to leave Widdershin so desolate. I need more answers
What didn't work so well for me was Violet's character. Considering she's escaping a husband, she seems to give her trust and find it easy to talk back to any man who has opinions of the time (women only just gained the vote and lots of men thought even that was too much; you know the period). Her relationship with one male character in particular didn't ring true for me as I just couldn't see a woman in her position approaching these things so easily and without more than a moment of abstract fear. Perhaps with how on the nose some parts could feel, it's why the women's emancipation part of the story didn't feel quite as strong to me.
It was a dark and moving mystery, excavating past wrongs against women that get perpetuated throughout history while also telling it's own twisted story. If you like slow burn revelations of mysterious pasts with plenty of atmosphere there is a lot to like about this book.
I received an ARC of this e-book from the author. This does not influence my review
December 23, 2025
The Widdershin Widow is a richly crafted work of historical fiction set in 1925, a time when women in America had finally secured the right to vote yet remained bound by deeply entrenched social and legal constraints. Despite this milestone, most women still lived under the authority of a father or husband who controlled their property, finances, and often their futures. Samland uses this backdrop to tell a powerful story about one woman’s fight for autonomy.
The novel follows a woman determined to escape an abusive marriage by accepting a position as a book cataloguer on a remote island. The island itself carries a haunting legacy: generations of women have lived there under oppressive circumstances, and its name traces back to the first woman who was rumored to be a witch. Through this layered history, Samland weaves folklore, myth, and lived experience into a narrative that feels both intimate and timeless.
What stands out most is the author’s ability to capture the resilience, strength, and quiet rebellion of women who refuse to be defined by the limitations imposed on them. The protagonist’s journey is rendered with such emotional clarity that readers are drawn fully into her world—her fear, her determination, and ultimately her hope.
Although I often find myself losing interest halfway through novels in this genre, The Widdershin Widow held my attention from beginning to end. It is a compelling, immersive, and deeply satisfying read that is well worth your time.
The novel follows a woman determined to escape an abusive marriage by accepting a position as a book cataloguer on a remote island. The island itself carries a haunting legacy: generations of women have lived there under oppressive circumstances, and its name traces back to the first woman who was rumored to be a witch. Through this layered history, Samland weaves folklore, myth, and lived experience into a narrative that feels both intimate and timeless.
What stands out most is the author’s ability to capture the resilience, strength, and quiet rebellion of women who refuse to be defined by the limitations imposed on them. The protagonist’s journey is rendered with such emotional clarity that readers are drawn fully into her world—her fear, her determination, and ultimately her hope.
Although I often find myself losing interest halfway through novels in this genre, The Widdershin Widow held my attention from beginning to end. It is a compelling, immersive, and deeply satisfying read that is well worth your time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Violet is everything! I went into this book blind, knowing very little about the genre even, and I couldn't be happier that I did. The gothic vibes, and even a few jump scares, had me eager to turn each page to see what the next had in store.
Violet is a young woman in the 1920's fleeing an abusive husband. In the 1920's a woman couldn't file for divorce without her husband's permission, so running away was her best form of self-preservation. Poor Violet has no idea who she is, having went from her parent' daughter, to an orphan, to being a married woman in a short amount of time.
Finding herself in a position to catalog a library on the other side of the continent is the best way for her to runaway. Little does she know that the Widdershin Isle has a past just as abusive as her own. A past where the women of the house were not but things belonging to men.
Will she find her peace on the island, make her money to flee the country all together, or will the island demand its own pound of flesh from Violet?
I think Mr. Samland did a great job portraying some of a woman's struggles for that time period. Even noting the fact that other women, and medical professionals, around her knew of the abuse her husband was dealing out but would do nothing to help. One of those things that was, unfortunately, true for then and sometimes now.
Violet is a young woman in the 1920's fleeing an abusive husband. In the 1920's a woman couldn't file for divorce without her husband's permission, so running away was her best form of self-preservation. Poor Violet has no idea who she is, having went from her parent' daughter, to an orphan, to being a married woman in a short amount of time.
Finding herself in a position to catalog a library on the other side of the continent is the best way for her to runaway. Little does she know that the Widdershin Isle has a past just as abusive as her own. A past where the women of the house were not but things belonging to men.
Will she find her peace on the island, make her money to flee the country all together, or will the island demand its own pound of flesh from Violet?
I think Mr. Samland did a great job portraying some of a woman's struggles for that time period. Even noting the fact that other women, and medical professionals, around her knew of the abuse her husband was dealing out but would do nothing to help. One of those things that was, unfortunately, true for then and sometimes now.
December 11, 2025
ARC Review
I received an ARC of this book, and wow — Violet’s journey pulled me in from page one. This story follows her quiet, desperate quest to understand what freedom truly means.
“The world is not kind. You are the only person you can rely on. If you don’t love yourself, that’s a void nothing else will fill.”
That hit a little too close to home — the kind of truth that settles in your chest and stays there.
Violet had you instantly rooting for her. She’s fighting an internal war between what she feels and what she’s been conditioned to believe. She’s a woman with realistic dreams and painfully relatable expectations, pushing against a world that was never built for her success.
Her goal is simple, yet deeply powerful:
Escape the abuse that’s shaped her life.
And I think that’s something far too many women face today.
The mystery woven into Widdershin House kept me glued to the pages — eerie whispers, unsettling secrets, and that slow-building tension that makes you feel like something is always lurking just out of sight. Every chapter felt like peeling back another layer of truth she’s not ready to face but can’t run from anymore.
A haunting, atmospheric read about survival, self-worth, and reclaiming your own narrative.
I received an ARC of this book, and wow — Violet’s journey pulled me in from page one. This story follows her quiet, desperate quest to understand what freedom truly means.
“The world is not kind. You are the only person you can rely on. If you don’t love yourself, that’s a void nothing else will fill.”
That hit a little too close to home — the kind of truth that settles in your chest and stays there.
Violet had you instantly rooting for her. She’s fighting an internal war between what she feels and what she’s been conditioned to believe. She’s a woman with realistic dreams and painfully relatable expectations, pushing against a world that was never built for her success.
Her goal is simple, yet deeply powerful:
Escape the abuse that’s shaped her life.
And I think that’s something far too many women face today.
The mystery woven into Widdershin House kept me glued to the pages — eerie whispers, unsettling secrets, and that slow-building tension that makes you feel like something is always lurking just out of sight. Every chapter felt like peeling back another layer of truth she’s not ready to face but can’t run from anymore.
A haunting, atmospheric read about survival, self-worth, and reclaiming your own narrative.
January 15, 2026
A realistic look at a woman’s life back in 1925.
In order to escape her abusive husband, Violet takes a job cataloging a library for an estate on an abandoned island—Widdershin Isle. It is said that a witch lived on said island and haunts it still. Well, Violet has more fear of her husband than of any spirit, so she takes the job and runs away. As a woman, it is impossible not to find this story disturbing. Even though I knew that women had no rights and had to fight to earn the right to vote, they were still treated as the property of their nearest male relative, be that father, husband, or son. Author J.M. Samland has done a wonderful job of depicting the plight of women in this story, not only with Violet, but with other women she meets. I have to admit, this story pulled me right in and did not let go throughout. It’s extremely well written and well researched as well.
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
In order to escape her abusive husband, Violet takes a job cataloging a library for an estate on an abandoned island—Widdershin Isle. It is said that a witch lived on said island and haunts it still. Well, Violet has more fear of her husband than of any spirit, so she takes the job and runs away. As a woman, it is impossible not to find this story disturbing. Even though I knew that women had no rights and had to fight to earn the right to vote, they were still treated as the property of their nearest male relative, be that father, husband, or son. Author J.M. Samland has done a wonderful job of depicting the plight of women in this story, not only with Violet, but with other women she meets. I have to admit, this story pulled me right in and did not let go throughout. It’s extremely well written and well researched as well.
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 22, 2025
So, in doing these reviews I am always worried I give to much of the book away. 1. I am surprised the writer is a male - he is truthful about women's rights - and how they differ from generation to generation - hint, the women really have gained so much freedom. I would have been labeled a witch in every lifetime.
We have the main female character who is in a loveless violent marriage - a crazy husband, a man that is a possible love interest, a "haunted" house - a sleepy town, a condescending lawyer -
I would defintely recommend this book - and I have to say that I loved the ending - I liked the characters and it drew me in!
We have the main female character who is in a loveless violent marriage - a crazy husband, a man that is a possible love interest, a "haunted" house - a sleepy town, a condescending lawyer -
I would defintely recommend this book - and I have to say that I loved the ending - I liked the characters and it drew me in!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
This book is a new direction for this author and he nailed it!
The way he follows the tale of this young woman trying to escape her old life and find the path for the life she is hoping for. He offers great insight into the complex emotions and deep rooted societal trails faced by a woman in that time, but it is sadly still relatable today.
As the mansion and it's inner energy helps her in her struggles, challenging and protecting her at the same time. I found myself unable to put the book down until I found out how it ended.
This book is a new direction for this author and he nailed it!
The way he follows the tale of this young woman trying to escape her old life and find the path for the life she is hoping for. He offers great insight into the complex emotions and deep rooted societal trails faced by a woman in that time, but it is sadly still relatable today.
As the mansion and it's inner energy helps her in her struggles, challenging and protecting her at the same time. I found myself unable to put the book down until I found out how it ended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dripping with sweet Gothic honey, this wonderful tale follows our heroine, Violet, escaping an abusive husband to a allegedly haunted mansion. “WHAT COULD BE BETTER??” Not much for me! It has all the classic gothic spooky feels. I had never read this author, but he is now on my TBR. I savored this book by a few chapters every evening before bed because I wanted to prolong the story. Great read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun, short read. I loved the main character, Violet. Her mental eye rolling whenever she had to deal with condescending Mr. Sparrow gave me a giggle, and how she got him to flee the island. I enjoyed the bit of spookiness and thought the ending was perfect!
December 21, 2025
This story is atmospheric and the main character is very personable. When a woman's home life is less than desirable, she takes a job that she believes will change her life and it does just that, not necessary how she thought. I really enjoyed this read and would love to read more by this author.
December 21, 2025
I’m about halfway through The Widdershin Widow and really enjoying it! The author is really good at making me feel like I’m right there with the main character. And the cover is perfection.
December 29, 2025
The cover is spectacular! I cannot wait to read!
December 30, 2025
Excellent Read
Classic gothic novel akin to the greats. I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and story, wrapped neatly in a bow so to speak. Perfect ending!
Classic gothic novel akin to the greats. I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and story, wrapped neatly in a bow so to speak. Perfect ending!
December 21, 2025
I did not finish this book it is slow moving and didn’t keep my interest. The story line is interesting and would love to know how it ends however I just can’t get myself to finish it
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews