A Time of Witches

by Madeline Martin

Two women, bound by blood and betrayal, must break silence across centuries—or be silenced forever, in the dazzling new novel by New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin.

Lilith Legare’s life is unraveling. Since her mother’s death, strange things have been happening - plants turn toward her touch, animals linger in her path, and the birthmark on her arm has started tingling. Worse still is her recurring nightmare of being burned alive at the stake.

Her search for answers brings her from Savannah to England, to the decaying Brackenmere Manor where the past blurs with the present. There, Lilith discovers a legacy she never asked for and along with it, the threat of peril. History must be rewritten, or she too will die.

In 1645 Suffolk, Sybil Brantham stands accused as a witch. An educated, wealthy widow, she is branded a threat by men who fear her independence. As arrests begin and suspicion abounds, Sybil must protect her younger sister, even as betrayal takes root within her household.

Across centuries, Lilith and Sybil are bound by blood and by danger. To save themselves, and each other, they must confront the silence that has stolen women’s power for generations—and dare to claim their voices before it’s too late.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Witches, Historical, Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Adult

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages.

She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.

Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com

Reviews

[Madeline Martin]

Update March 28, 2026:

A Time of Witches is officially now available to request on NetGalley!! https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...

OMG this is so exciting!! (and thank you!)

xoxo,
Madeline

Update March 20, 2026:
I recently completed my page proofs for A Time of Witches, which officially means it will be going off to the printer!! This is such an exciting part of the book (and also terrifying) when it means I am DONE with the writing and editing and cannot change another thing in it (that last part is the terrifying part LOL).

While I was between edits on this book, I did a giveaway for the names of two of the animals in this book that I detail in my author's note, so definitely to make sure to check that out when the book comes out. The name of the horse was such a fun story that helped a grandmother bond with her equestrian granddaughter <3

I had a wonderful cover reveal for this book with People magazine and so appreciate how many of you shared my cover and reached out to let me know how much you love it <3 If you'd like to see the article, here it is: https://people.com/madeline-martin-a-...

I have a call with my marketing team in two weeks to start putting together a game plan for the launch, which will include my book tour. Believe it or not, I already have a couple stops planned, including Bury St. Edmunds, England! I'll be part of their literary festival this year with a special launch with Moyse's Hall Museum. I am absolutely over the moon about this!

The last thing I really need to write is the information for the reader's guide. The amazing team at Harper Collins assembles everything in to a pretty file, but I'm the one who provides the details. It's easier said than done!

It really is so exciting to see everything fall into place with this story and I cannot thank you enough for your eagerness and support and love!

xoxo,
Madeline

Update on Sept 12, 2025:

A Time of Witches has officially been turned into my publisher! I did it right before leaving for my book tour for The Secret Book Society - and turning in a book right before book tour is always the BEST feeling ever LOL

After my personal read through and freelance edits, the book ended up being over 80K words, so there was definitely a lot added to it. There was a lot of shifting timelines to get everything exactly as I wanted it to, but I love how it ended up. I expect I'll likely get the edits back in October sometime.

I already heard back from my agent after she read through A Time of Witches and she LOVED it - another friend who reads all my books has said it's my best book I've written. Getting feedback like that so early on after finishing writing it gives me the biggest sigh of relief LOL It's always such an anxious thing when a new book is done and people read it for the first time!

In the meantime, I've updated the blurb with a bit more information on what the book is about and I've started to mention A Time of Witches while I'm on my book tour. I'm so grateful for all the excitement already starting over this book and hope everyone loves it as much as I do!

xoxo,
Madeline

Update on June 5, 2025:

I just wrote THE END on A Time of Witches!!! My goal was to start May 5th and finish this first draft on June 5th (today1) at 70K words and I finished at 68.9K words. Pretty close to my original estimate :) Some days were great, like at the Highlights writing retreat in PA where I had a cabin in the woods and glorious silence that helped me accomplish 5K words a day. And some days were not great, like when I was traveling and limping along in my word count, or exhausted and just needed a whole day off (meaning zero words).

The months leading up to this point have been filled with intense research, so getting to finally write the story and have it all composed is just beyond thrilling! :)

What's next?

First of all, I wrote the timelines separate to ensure I kept the contemporary voice of Lilith and the 17th century voice of Sybil intact without deviation or crossover. Tomorrow, I will be splicing all those chapters together so the stories weave together. Easier said than done! But it shouldn't take more than a day.

Next, I'll do a full read through/self edit. This will take approximately two weeks to do, then I'll send it to a freelance editor to ensure all the pieces are working. Then I'll have a month for more clean up before turning it in on the due date of August 1st.

Stay tuned for more details as they come! And feel free to ask questions in the comments :)

Thank you for being on this journey with me as I write A Time of Witches.

xoxo,
Madeline

Update on May 13, 2025:

After months of deep research, travel to England and Savannah, plus ridiculous amounts of character development and plotting, I’m officially diving into the writing phase of my 2026 release, A Time of Witches.

My goal is 70,000 words in 32 days. (About 2200 words a day — give or take, depending on whether it’s a chaotic or coffee-fueled kind of day.) Writing quickly like this is how I work best as the just flows out of me and keeps everything cohesive. In my head, it's kind of like when you read a book you can't stop thinking about and can't wait to get back to. But at the same time, it's like the story has been building and building and just suddenly has to explode out.

It can be a bit of a stressful process as I still have to maintain travel, events, emails, life, etc while I'm 'fast drafting' but it's what seems to work best for me. Then, of course, come the edits to ensure it's all smoothed out before turning into my editor.

I'm going to be sharing the process of writing it in my stories on Instagram if you want to join along. I'm about 23K into it as I started it on the 5th and plan to end on June 5th. So feel free to follow along! https://www.instagram.com/madelinemma...

And thank you again for joining me on my journey to write this book <3

xoxo,
Madeline



Update on February 1, 2025:

Even though A Time of Witches isn't coming out until 2026, I'm already hard at work! I've been doing research for the last three months and will be leaving for England in less than two weeks to explore the area where the historical part of this book will take place. I have several private tours lined up and a list of questions I'm dying to learn answers to!

One of my favorite things about traveling on location is how it makes all that research fall into place. Suddenly street names have relevance, distances can be accurately measured, and seeing pieces in museums helps to bring that world to life for me. There are also so many books to purchase on location that I either can't find or don't even know exists. On the latter note, I always bring a collapsible second bag in my main bag for research trips, which I end up stuffing full of books (and padding with dirty laundry so those books don't get too beat up and dented).

I'm so excited for the incredible things I'm going to learn!

Stay tuned for more - and thanks for going on this journey with me.

xoxo,
Madeline

[layan ليان]

someone got the arc 🤭
i cannot wait to read this!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I enjoy a good historical fiction when it’s immersive and well written and Madeline Martin definitely delivered. When I came across this title and read the premise I was definitely intrigued. Witch trial books are always fascinating to me. Add in interesting characters along with a good storyline and I’m totally invested.

The dual POV/Dual timeline worked perfectly to tell an amazing story tying together past and present.

I truly enjoyed the mystery/adventure vibe, magic elements, woman empowerment and bits of history. The author’s note was spectacular. I always love it when an author feels so passionately about a novel & explains the thoughts and research that they put into their work.

This book did start a bit slow but that is to be expected with a complex novel that lays the groundwork building up to the plot. The paranormal “ghostly” elements could be a turnoff for the more skeptical readers (which I am not). The almost romance between Lilith & Asher felt a bit irrelevant until I reminded myself that this is a novel about women empowerment in which case it was a great nod towards the modern independent woman

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collin’s Publishers for the advance copy and opportunity to fairly rate this novel

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would you embrace your power and step into the past to save the future?

Madeline Martin takes historical facts and blends it with a bit of magic to deliver an atmospheric novel about claiming your power, resilience, intergenerational connection, and hope in the face of fear. Told through a dual timeline, present-day Lilith begins experiencing unexplained dreams of a past that feels both foreign and familiar. Those visions pull readers into 1600s England during the witch trials, where Sybil, an independent widow, is striving to protect her sister as well as her friends. This book explores how women, especially in the 1600s, were marginalized and silenced in the face of the unexplainable.

I always enjoy reading Madeline Martin and am consistently impressed by the depth of her research and the way she crafts such compelling narratives with the perfect fictional twist. Her writing is beautiful and descriptive, and the imagery floats through your mind as you read. You can’t help but feel the desperation these women carry as they search for ways to make their situation better — to fight ignorance and oppression. Martin writes fierce women, whether they are central to the plot or supporting characters. While there are still hurdles to overcome, this book highlights the battles women have fought to help shape a better future. There are definitely moments here that make you pause and reflect on how far women have come.

The one thing that kept this from being a five-star read for me was the present-day perspective. Lilith’s storyline felt a bit repetitive at times, and while each return expanded on what came before, the repetition occasionally pulled me out of the narrative.

If you’re looking for a little witchy atmosphere especially for Fall with rich historical context, A Time of Witches is a perfect read, complete with a black cat and grimoire.

Thank you to Madeline Martin and Hanover Square Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press (HarperCollins) and NetGalley for the ARC!

In “A Time of Witches,” women are mysteriously connected despite the constraints of time. Lilith, a woman of the present in Savannah, Georgia, has just lost her mother, a woman for whom she harbors conflicting feelings. As Lilith is coping, she begins having strange dreams and interactions with nature that eventually lead her to unfurl her family history and take a journey to the English countryside. It is here she is tasked with an unfathomable quest. Sybil, in 1647, is a noblewoman who, after the loss of her husband, is accused of witchcraft, as are many other women in her inner circle. She worries about her fate, but more for her sister, Jacinda, a young woman with powers beyond her control and a need to hear the secrets Sybil harbors. The urgency of the link between these women becomes increasingly evident as the narrative progresses.

Martin adheres to a fairly standard set of rules in this work of fiction, keeping with stereotypical witchy aspects like black cats and grimoires that make worldbuilding easy to follow. The narrative alternates between Sybil’s and Lilith’s perspectives, meaning it moves from the past to the present consistently. Despite the opportunity for vast exploration with magic, time travel, and the abundance of side characters, the scope remained rather small. The majority of the chapters had the same general format, setting, and conflict, sometimes staying still rather than pushing the story along. Martin notes that she applied a lot of her research, meaning that aspects of the story are rooted in truth, which is likely a contributing factor to Sybil’s chapters’ confines. I just wanted more!

The characters are all deeply likeable and real. Essie played a perfect best friend, a true ride-or-die that made me tear up in one of the later phone scenes between her and Lilith. Aunt Jaqueline encapsulated the eccentric aunt and Edith and Kat were truly adoring friends, the trio with Sybil plucking the heartstrings. The flirtatious arc between Lilith and Asher felt realistic given the amount of time they spent together, which is something I really appreciated.

This book is fantastical yet informative, the history evident in its pages. It speaks out for women, against oppression, and reminds readers that our world is still in need of change today. Although both protagonists are grown and there are some serious themes, I believe this is a great book for YA audiences looking to transition into adult books. The story is just as entertaining and alluring as it is a serious representation of why violence against women needs to be shut down.

[Aamira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

You know? I had a difficult time putting in to words my feelings about this book. I enjoyed Martin’s novel, The Last Bookshop, and was going into this one with a lot of expectation that just wasn’t met.

Lilith (too on the nose for me) has started noticing strange phenomena around her. Particularly, nature’s response to her and the vivid dreams of a woman being burned at the stake. There’s magic inside her, but she doesn’t know where it comes. After a reading from a mysterious woman, she decides to research her family history and travels to England in search of answers.

Sybil is a noblewoman in 1647 who has been accused of witchcraft. A widow who was left enough money to live independently, she has made enemies simply because of the power she possesses. It’s a dangerous time for a woman with agency, and Sybil must uncover who has accused her and prove her innocence before it is too late.

The story didn’t feel fleshed out to me. In fact it felt very much like a first draft. There were a lot of questions that weren’t fully answered or if they were, weren’t quite satisfactory. The first thing I had an issue with was the spell that connected Sybil and Lilith. How was it possible that Jacinda, a young woman who had no idea she was a witch, could come up with such an elaborate spell without any training? Sybil purposely keeps her ignorant of her family history and the magic that has been passed down through the matrilineal line. It just wasn’t conceivable to me that she would be able to do that. Especially since the grimoire that could hold such a spell is hidden away in a secret room.

Another question I had was if Asher’s ancestor was the magistrate, why did his Aunt have magical powers? Never is it intimated that the women in his ancestry have magical powers. So how is it possible that not only does she have these powers, but she knows all about Lilith and her family?

I did like the central theme of the novel, but it was heavy handed. Yes, women who have had agency and independence have been persecuted by men throughout the centuries, and it is important to make critical commentary about this. I just felt it could have been handled more deftly.

I enjoyed the idea of the story very much, I just think the bones of the story needed more meat.

[GroveLifeLit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeline Martin has written a mesmerizing story of two women bound together across centuries by a magic more powerful than either woman can comprehend. One woman has embraced her powers while the other was forced to repress the powers given to her from the earth. When Lilith discovers her connection to a special magic, she will also discover that her life holds a far greater purpose, one that could decide the fate of many generations.

Lilith has always felt that she is different but her mother’s control prohibited her from exploring the powers she holds. Sybil has finally began to embrace the powers she holds and uses her gift to help those in the community. However, for Sybil, using her gift is a dangerous venture, for she lives during the time of witch hunts. This period in England was a dangerous time for women who were deemed different or possessed independence. In Sybil’s case, she was wealthy and independent, after losing her husband. She had also helped so many in the community through her herbal remedies.

Lilith feels compelled to travel to England and learn more about her family history. She also knows that her very existence hangs in the balance of what she discovers once she reaches Brackenmere Manor. Embracing her true identity will bring her peace but also great danger. Will Lilith be able to discover as much as she needs to in order to save herself and Sybil?

A Time of Witches is such an incredibly well written story. It is so easy to see the amount of time and research put into this book. Martin perfectly develops her characters and builds a story line that draws you in and holds your attention throughout the story. Reveals are carefully placed in a way that pulls you in even more and creates a deeper connection to the characters and what they are experiencing. A Time of Witches is an absolute must read for 2026!

Thank you so much to HTP Hive, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Time of Witches.

[Deb Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey this book will take you on! The story alternates between the present day and 1645 story lines and with tension building, lets the reader in on the truths, betrayals, and connections. Lilith is at a crossroads in her life in Georgia and has found that the Brackenmere Manor in England with next door Bed and Breakfast is the place where she will hopefully find the answers to her nightmares and other odd things that have been happening to her. In 1645, Sybil lives a simple life helping others with cures and remedies until the day she is accused of being a witch. She finds the strength to survive in the unspeakable conditions in the jail. Her sister, Jacinda as a spirit, makes a connection with Lilith in the Mansion and convinces her that she is the one to save Sybil.
I enjoyed both the present day and historical stories. Kudos to the author for the amount of background research she did about the English witch trial era. I felt like I was back in the 1600s with the smells and feels of the day. The magical part of the story where Lilith can connect with the past made sense within the plot and added to both time lines. There is a little romantic connection between Lilith and the owner of the B & B that I was rooting for. The female secondary characters were wonderful, smart, and you cheered them on while the many historical male characters were true to form for the time (in other words, awful humans). I thought Aunt Jacqueline, at the B & B, also was a great character that helped connect the present to the past. There is an adorable black cat that adopts Lilith and other animal characters throughout, but none are ever harmed.
I would highly recommend this for historical fiction fans who would like a little fantasy in their lives.

#ATimeofWitches #NetGalley
Thank you to the author and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ummuhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yazardan ilk defa bir kitap okudum. Kalemi biraz zorladı, doğruya doğru. Kurgunun teknik detaylarla süslenmesi de etkili bunda, Türkçe çıktığı zaman ki umarım çıkar, tekrar okumak isterim.
Kurgusu yazar notunu okuduktan sonra ayrı bir kazanıyor. Lilith ve Sybil ile yola çıkıp aslında orta çağ da katledilen kadınlara değinen, altı dolu bir hikaye vardı. Klasik bir tarihi kurgudan ziyade tarihte yaşanmış olaylardan yola çıkan yazar, gerçek kişilere de değinmeyi unutmamıştı.
Başlarda adapte olma noktasında zorlandım, doğruya doğru. Bir aşk hikayesi, romantik bir kitap değil bu. Ana karakteri kadınlar olan iki ayrı zamanda yaşanan bir sesini duyurma hikayesi.
Sybil ile 1645 yılında yaşamış bir kadının hayatına konuk oluyoruz. O zamanlarda zengin, yaşlı, güzel, dul, hastalıklı olması fark etmiyor. Tek derdi var olması olan kadınların yaşadığı zulümlere tanık olduk. Yazarın erkeklerin dünyasında yaşamaya çalışan akıllı kadınları anlatma biçimiydi bir nevi o yıllar.
Lilith ile de Savannah dan başlayıp İngiltere'ye uzanan bir kendini bulma hikayesine dahil olduk. Aslında aradan geçen yıllara rağmen bugün de biz kadınların sesimizi duyurmaya çalıştığımızı göstermek istemiş yazar. Büyücük ve bitkilerle harmanlanmış, fantastik yönlerin arasına azıcık bir kurgu serpiştirmiş.
Bu hikayeden bir aşk romanı beklemeyin.

Okuduğum kurguyu sevdim, zorlanmış olsam da altında yatan anlam beni sarmaladı. Ancak kurgu yönünde geçmiş kısımları okurken bir tık sıkıldığımı itiraf etmem gerek. Son dakika geçişleri, karakterler ve zamanlar arası atlamalar yorucu geldi. Bir de bazı sahneler -özellikle 1645 yılında geçen- olmasa da olurmuş hissi uyandırdı. Son kapanışta bile yazar heyecan katmak istemişti ama bana zorlama bir ilerleyiş gibi geldi.
Yine de iyi ki okudum. Böyle kurgular okumayı da seviyorum, bana iyi geliyorlar.

[MariaVi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5✨️
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Madeleine Martin continues to be an author I look forward to reading. I really enjoy her writing style, and A Time of Witches was no exception. Beautifully written, immersive, and engaging from beginning to end.
This story follows two women across dual timelines connected by family, hidden truths, resilience, and the courage to stand up for themselves in worlds that try to silence them. I especially appreciated the themes of strength, survival, identity, and women reclaiming their voices despite mistreatment and abuse. The emotional elements of the story felt authentic, and I found myself invested in both timelines.
The dual storyline was one of my favorite aspects of the novel. I enjoyed uncovering how the connections between past and present would unfold, and the pacing kept me turning pages.
The reason this wasn’t quite a full 5 stars for me was that one aspect of the timeline mechanics left me with questions. I wasn’t fully sure I understood how one part of the connection between timelines worked, and at times it felt a little circular in a way that made me wonder whether I had missed something or whether the ambiguity was intentional. A little more clarity there would have strengthened the reading experience for me.
That said, this did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. Madeleine Martin once again delivered an atmospheric and compelling story with strong female characters and emotional depth.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction with magical elements, dual timelines, family secrets, and stories centered around strong women.
Thank you again to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. 📚✨

[The Starry Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Time of Witches by Madeline Martin is a time slip novel about witches, female empowerment, and magical inheritances...

Lilith Legare has an unusual life, with a strange connection to nature, recurring dreams of being burned at the stake, and a birthmark that won't stop tingling. When her recurring nightmare won't leave her alone, she discovers a connection to an centuries old estate in England where the answers to her haunting dream may finally be found. In 1600s England, Sybil Brantham is a healer with a special connection to the natural world, when she becomes wrongfully accused and jailed for being a witch. Through a magical spell, Lilith and Sybil are destined to help each other through time and reignite their earthy powers.

I really enjoyed this story. I have read many books about the witch trials, but I have never read a story where a woman is able to help another from being burned at the stake centuries into the future. This was a creative way to discuss generational trauma, magical inheritance, and ancestral healing. The graphic descriptions of Sybil and the other victims torture was hard to read at times and a stark reminder of the historical traumas each and every woman carries within herself. The earthy magic of the women in the story was a beautiful way to symbolically show the connection to nature and the craft of healing that women possess. I really liked the ending and its magical twist.

I would highly recommend A Time of Witches by Madeline Martin for fans of witchy stories, time slip adventures, and historical fantasies.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Marialyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows two women with a connection that was over two hundred years old.
Lilith Legare is our present day woman who after her mother's death, finds herself with strange powers, including the fact that plants and animals seem to be attracted to her., and the birthmark on her arm seems to react in unusual ways.However, she has a recurring nightmare of being burned at the stake.

In the past, we meet Sybil Brantham, a woman who unjustly has been accused of witchcraft and is due to be burned at the stake.

The story explores the connection between these two ladies as the times of of the seventeenth century and England's treatment of women who were oftentimes accused of being witches by men who were covetous of them.

However, there is a connection to the earth that both of these ladies possess and another deeper allegiance that binds them through the centuries.

I enjoyed the premise but the set up to the story was often confusing as the chapters alternated between the ladies and for me, I did lost track sometimes of events.

If you do enjoy "witches's" stories than I am sure you would like this telling as Ms Martin did her due diligence in researching and traveling to the place of many witch burnings, hangings, and drownings. Men were in total control and many of them were corrupt and held a hatred for a successful woman.

It surprises me still that people enjoyed watching the spectacle of death and were so easily led to believe anything. I think that is still the case today sadly.

[Alcovia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one got me. I cried several times, and not the pretty kind.

A Time of Witches is about magic, yes, but what stayed with me were the people who suffered through the witch trials. The prison scenes and executions turned names on plaques and in history books into real people with hopes, fears, and families. People who were turned in by their neighbors for being different and strong in a time when women were expected to be silent property.

I kept trying to tell myself it's just a book and not to cry, but I couldn't. Because it's not just a book. This really happened to good, innocent people.

Sybil's friendship with Edith is simply beautiful, and I full-on ugly cried.

A few things kept this from five stars for me. The romance could honestly have stayed a friendship because it felt more like a checkbox than a necessity. I also wanted more glimpses of Sybil and Jacinda's relationship early on, just small moments that would have made the love hit harder later. I also felt that one of the major magical elements connecting the timelines needed a bit more explanation.

But Madeline Martin did her research, and it shows. She turned history into something that aches.

Thank you to Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Second Chapter Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

I went into A Time of Witches with pretty high expectations because I really enjoyed The Last Bookshop. While I don't think this one quite reached that same level for me, I still found it to be an enjoyable read.

The dual timeline between present-day Lilith and Sybil in 1645 worked well, and I found myself especially invested in Sybil's story. Madeline Martin's historical research really shines, and the atmosphere surrounding the witch trials felt authentic and immersive.

My biggest issue was that I wanted more. The premise had so much potential, especially with the magical elements and the connection between the two women, but I never felt like it was explored as deeply as it could have been. The pacing also slowed in a few places, and I was hoping for a little more tension as the story progressed.

Overall, if you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of magic, strong female characters, and dual timelines, I think this is worth picking up. It wasn't my favorite of Madeline Martin's books, but I'm still glad I read it.

[Second Chapter Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

I went into A Time of Witches with pretty high expectations because I really enjoyed The Last Bookshop. While I don't think this one quite reached that same level for me, I still found it to be an enjoyable read.

The dual timeline between present-day Lilith and Sybil in 1645 worked well, and I found myself especially invested in Sybil's story. Madeline Martin's historical research really shines, and the atmosphere surrounding the witch trials felt authentic and immersive.

My biggest issue was that I wanted more. The premise had so much potential, especially with the magical elements and the connection between the two women, but I never felt like it was explored as deeply as it could have been. The pacing also slowed in a few places, and I was hoping for a little more tension as the story progressed.

Overall, if you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of magic, strong female characters, and dual timelines, I think this is worth picking up. It wasn't my favorite of Madeline Martin's books, but I'm still glad I read it.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC from Edelweiss and publisher Hanover Square Press in exchange for an honest review.

This was an easy five stars for me. The writing is absolutely beautiful and pulled me in right away. It has that kind of quiet, immersive quality where you can feel the atmosphere in every scene.

The dual timelines really worked here. Both storylines felt equally compelling, and I found myself fully invested in each perspective rather than rushing through one to get back to the other. The way the past and present connect adds so much emotional depth, and it kept the tension building in a really satisfying way.

I also loved the historical elements woven throughout. It added richness and authenticity to the story and made everything feel grounded and real.

The strongest part for me, though, was the focus on women’s experiences. The themes around power, voice, and resilience were handled with care and intention. You truly feel the weight of what these characters are up against. The conflict feels real, and at times it is genuinely unsettling in the best way because you are so emotionally connected.

This is very much a character-driven story, and that is where it shines. It is emotional, layered, and thoughtfully told. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of magic, strong female-centered themes, and writing that lingers with you, this one really delivers.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review: A Time of Witches by Madeline Martin

I wasn’t sure how I would enjoy this book as it’s quite different from Madeline Martin’s previous historical fiction and the subject matter can be taken to levels I personally don’t enjoy. However, the writing was well done and characters developed well through the story. The plot was interesting and made me need to know what would happen. It was an obvious work to expose what sufferings women, in particular, we through during the times of the witch trials. I didn’t love that the author chose to make some of the women witches. I completely understand her doing it and it was tastefully done, but for it took away from what women went through back then, completely innocent. The dual but connected timeline was interesting and well done, her descriptions were lovely, and I enjoyed reading it overall. It was a solid 3-3 1/2 star book for me.

I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins, these are my own thoughts and opinions on it.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

After Lillith’s Mama dies, she starts having nightmares about a woman burning at the stake. As the dreams grow increasingly real, Lillith learns that the woman is her ancestor and that she must visit her ancestor’s manor in England for more answers.

At the manor, the present is colliding with the past. Lillith can speak to ghosts! After finding her family’s grimoire, she uncovers that she must prevent her ancestor from being burned at the stake by finding out who accused her of witchcraft, which will hopefully reverse her sentencing, or Lillith will cease to exist!

I loved that if Lillith didn’t break the spell in time, she would cease to exist, and she started disappearing, becoming invisible, and being forgotten. My favorite part was all the characters' familiars. One even had a skunk! Overall, it was a very engaging, high-stakes read, and I wanted to find out what happened!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Time of Witches is a exceptionally well written story with a dual timeline that completely drew me into the story from the very first page. Once I started reading this book I had a hard time putting it down, it was just that good. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. I love reading everything this author writes.
Lilith discovers her true self after her mothers death and after experiencing the same dream continuously she seeks out answers. After discovering a box containing ancestry she ends up going to England looking for more answers.
She has to use magic to save her ancestor from being burned at the stake or she too will cease to exist.
Will she discover the truth and find her path in time ?
I received an Advanced e-copy through Net Galley and am Voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalie Groom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Time of Witches is an atmospheric, quietly powerful read that pulled me in from the very first page.

Madeline Martin weaves history and magic together with a delicate, almost spellbound touch, creating a story that feels both intimate and expansive.

I loved the resilience of the heroine and the slow unraveling of secrets layered beneath fear and suspicion. The pacing is thoughtful, letting the tension simmer rather than rush.

It’s the kind of book that lingers in your thoughts, like smoke curling from a candle just blown out. Haunting, emotional, and beautifully told.

Thank you @netgalley @harlequinbooks and @harpercollinsca for the early digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I can't wait to get my hands on the final copy on release day September 1st, 2026.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Time of Witches
By: Madeline Martin
Pub date: Sept 1, 2026
Publisher: Hanover Square press

I really enjoy Martin’s historical fiction novels, and even though this was a different read for me, I absolutely loved it and invested in this magical novel.

Imagine having a nightmare where you think you were burned alive, as witches or those thought to be witches were ridiculed and burned at the stake.

Lilith is experiencing some strange occurrences, including the nightmares. As she looks to find answers to some of her concerns, she will discover a legacy she vows to change.

The other timeline follows Sybil from 1645 who was accused of being a witch. How will their worlds collide?

This would make a fantastic movie! Martin always draws the reader into a unique story and takes us on a journey which kept me enthralled from start to finish.

Thank you, Hanover Press, for the advanced copy.

[Kristin Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two women separated by centuries are bound together by secrets and betrayal, must come together to reveal these secrets or be silenced forever. A Time of Witches is equal parts fantasy and mystery, emotional throughout and at times felt like you were reading historical fiction. I was instantly drawn to the strong female characters in this novel. They were incredible!

If you loved reading Practical Magic, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and anything related to the Salem Witch Trials (fiction or nonfiction), I think you’ll really enjoy this. I enjoyed every page.

A huge thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC e-book in exchange for my honest feedback.

[TealsyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dual-timeline story creatively weaves together the lives of two women bound together by a spell. This truly is the ideal women’s fiction read I have been searching for to add to my list of fall recommendations. Madeline Martin is able to take you into not one, but two, very immersive settings, as you walk through the experiences of Lilith and Sybil. Though I had some questions regarding the plot and specifics of the magic system, the lovable supporting characters and overall story redeem the read for me. I feel this will be the ideal "spooky season” read for those less interested in a romance-focused plot. Huge thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Madeline Martin, I was so excited for A Time of Witches, and it did not disappoint! The author's signature depth of historical research completely shines, particularly during the terrifying 1645 witch panic sections. Both Sybil and Lilith are fantastic, resilient main characters who carry the theme of female empowerment flawlessly. The writing is lush, making Brackenmere Manor feel like its own dark character. While the pacing in the middle chapters felt a little uneven as it jumped between centuries, the ultimate payoff is spectacular. A wonderful, 4-star gothic mystery that keeps you hooked!

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating tale of the witch hunting in England. I’ve visited Salem and read about the witch trials but had never thought about the cruelty occurring in England. Lilith leaves her home in Savannah after reading about a family legacy. This is a book about women. Women’s friendships feature predominantly. How many men fear women with knowledge and power was evident throughout the book. I loved how the women supported each other. It is a powerful and moving book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Maddie Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC review-

This is not the type of book I generally read, but the description immediately pulled me in. I absolutely loved the dual timelines and POVS in this book. There was a very tiny bit of romance towards the end but that is not the main plot at all. Lilith must figure out who turned her ancestor, Sybil, in as a witch and save her from being burned at the stake before they both die. If Lilith is unable to save Sybil, her life will cease to exist. I appreciated the pacing in this book and the side characters were phenomenal.

[Rudy Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeline Martin once again delivers an interesting and page turning story. A Time of Witches alternates between 1645 and the present time. Lilith has dreams of a woman burning on the stake. She is somehow connected to this woman and travels from Savannah to England to research her family. In 1645, Sybil, a noblewoman, is arrested and imprisoned for witchcraft. Madeline Martin did a lot research of the time period as the details drive the narrative. Also, the compelling characters brought the story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the Advanced Reader Copy.

[Darlene Golbitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courtesy of HarperCollins and Netgalley, I received the ARC of The Time of Witches by Madeline Martin..This dual timeline novel combines contemporary Savannah and the British witch hunt era of 1645. Weaving together the stories of two women connected by a legacy of magic, nature, and the courage to stand up for the rights of women, family bonds are uncovered and ties of friendship are revealed. I was immediately drawn into this well researched story, and loved how Lilith, Sybil, and Jacinda communicated across the ages!

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was told in a dual timeline between the 1600s with a woman accused of witchcraft and her descendant in present day trying to put the pieces together, save her ancestor, and discover how magic works. Both timelines were interesting and were so descriptive, I could picture everything perfectly. There is a slight romance plot on the side too. I also enjoyed the author's note at the end and the actual research and stories she wove into her own.

[Racheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't really know whay to expect when I requested this book. It did not sound like the standard fantasy that I would go for, but the historical element piqued my interest. It did not disappoint! The extenaive research that was dome for this book shone through, it gave rhe characters more than depth, it gave them a story rooted in history.

I absolurely recommend you get your hands on a copy!