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The Wives of Herrick Hall
Herrick Hall doesn't let anything go without a fight. Least of all its masters' dead wives...
After a dalliance with another woman leaves her reputation in shambles, Josephine Carter is banished to the isolated manor to serve as lady's companion to Herrick's mistress. Lady Nora Blake is a headstrong, capricious woman who spends her days convalescing from a mysterious illness-and her nights witnessing her imminent death over and over. Shackled to her side, Josephine is certain life could not get worse. But then she meets the Herrick wives. Ghosts veiled in shadow stalk the halls and trespass into Josephine's dreams, trapped forever in the fury of their last dying to destroy Herrick and everyone beneath its roof. Josephine is determined to escape by any means necessary.
Until she and Nora fall in love.
Together, Josephine and Nora must confront Herrick's curse to battle their way to freedom. But Herrick has already claimed them as its next ghostly brides, and neither the house nor its vengeful wives will relinquish them without bloodshed...
After a dalliance with another woman leaves her reputation in shambles, Josephine Carter is banished to the isolated manor to serve as lady's companion to Herrick's mistress. Lady Nora Blake is a headstrong, capricious woman who spends her days convalescing from a mysterious illness-and her nights witnessing her imminent death over and over. Shackled to her side, Josephine is certain life could not get worse. But then she meets the Herrick wives. Ghosts veiled in shadow stalk the halls and trespass into Josephine's dreams, trapped forever in the fury of their last dying to destroy Herrick and everyone beneath its roof. Josephine is determined to escape by any means necessary.
Until she and Nora fall in love.
Together, Josephine and Nora must confront Herrick's curse to battle their way to freedom. But Herrick has already claimed them as its next ghostly brides, and neither the house nor its vengeful wives will relinquish them without bloodshed...
278 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Julie Lew
2 books32 followersJulie Lew loves all things fantasy and horror, the darker and queerer the better. They are the author of the adult gothic horror novel, THE WIVES OF HERRICK HALL, and the YA fantasy mystery, DEATH IN VERSE (out September 22nd, 2026). She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her partner, and when she’s not writing books about the magical and the monstrous, she’s likely playing endless games of fetch with her chihuahua-terrier mix pup Kody.
You can find Julie at julielew.com or on Instagram @_julielew_.
You can find Julie at julielew.com or on Instagram @_julielew_.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 4, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
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Despite a fairly slow start, once this book gets going it’s an enjoyable ride. Though I could take or leave both ‘main’ characters by themselves, when the romance begins I found myself really liking them together. There’s a nice mix of gothic horror aspects, with forbidden sapphic love and codependency (though I can’t blame them for that). The side characters blend into the background and aren’t mentioned a whole lot, bar one in particular, and while it would have been nice to have that solid worldbuilding there, it works well enough for the lonely, dark life our main character has found herself in. The setting is described very well, and you really do feel every haunted, eerie moment as if you’re really there. The plot comes together by the end, but it wasn’t my favourite aspect of the book.
A very solid read.
PUBLICATION DATE: MAY 05 2026
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Despite a fairly slow start, once this book gets going it’s an enjoyable ride. Though I could take or leave both ‘main’ characters by themselves, when the romance begins I found myself really liking them together. There’s a nice mix of gothic horror aspects, with forbidden sapphic love and codependency (though I can’t blame them for that). The side characters blend into the background and aren’t mentioned a whole lot, bar one in particular, and while it would have been nice to have that solid worldbuilding there, it works well enough for the lonely, dark life our main character has found herself in. The setting is described very well, and you really do feel every haunted, eerie moment as if you’re really there. The plot comes together by the end, but it wasn’t my favourite aspect of the book.
A very solid read.
PUBLICATION DATE: MAY 05 2026
August 25, 2026
This was an atmospheric sapphic gothic horror romance that took some dark turns and had some deeply traumatic moments. Josephine and Nora are a good match because they’re both a bit unlikable and strong willed and I loved them when they were being absolute a-holes. The master of the house is of course an entitled monster as these guys typically are. I enjoyed it, I was never bored and I kept wanting to get back to it. I read this on vacation and took no notes so this is all you get 👻
Content warning for SA.
Content warning for SA.
January 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I loved this so much. I think I am getting into more gothic books after reading this and a couple others. I’ve found as long as it is sapphic, I don’t care what the genre is.
I wish I was in school again, only to pick apart and analyze books like we did. I know I can do this on my own, but there was something about having to do it in school. The Wives of Herrick Hall is one of those stories you could easily analyze, in so many different ways, mind you.
I was worried that I wouldn’t like Nora and she was hard to like at first. But once you learn more about her and what she has gone through, it makes sense. Once you see the real her, you fall in love with her like Josephine did. I adored the nicknames they had for each other. It was so cute!
I was also afraid that it wouldn’t be a happy ending. It is a horror/gothic novel after all. But I was pleasantly surprised when it was a happy ending. I can’t wait for more people to read this!
I loved this so much. I think I am getting into more gothic books after reading this and a couple others. I’ve found as long as it is sapphic, I don’t care what the genre is.
I wish I was in school again, only to pick apart and analyze books like we did. I know I can do this on my own, but there was something about having to do it in school. The Wives of Herrick Hall is one of those stories you could easily analyze, in so many different ways, mind you.
I was worried that I wouldn’t like Nora and she was hard to like at first. But once you learn more about her and what she has gone through, it makes sense. Once you see the real her, you fall in love with her like Josephine did. I adored the nicknames they had for each other. It was so cute!
I was also afraid that it wouldn’t be a happy ending. It is a horror/gothic novel after all. But I was pleasantly surprised when it was a happy ending. I can’t wait for more people to read this!
Want to Read
January 29, 2026Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing House for providing an ARC for review.
April 14, 2026
Didn’t know I needed a sapphic Gothic horror-romance, but damn am I so glad I picked this up. This was gorgeously atmospheric with a great cast of characters and a story that hooked me in right away. The tension, the ambiance, the slowly building yearning between Josephine and Nora, the way the narrative wove its natural and supernatural aspects together, just everything basically.
This book is mainly character-driven, and the characters were indeed the best part of this book. The cast is very small and there’s really only 4-5 characters that actually get character traits and personality, but that worked perfectly well. I initially really didn’t think the story would be able to make me warm-up to Nora at all, especially not to the point where I’d be rooting for her relationship with Josephine. But, damn, it got me.
I also loved just how mundane a lot of the horror elements in this were, cause there are ghosts and other supernatural stuff, but the really terrifying parts had basically no supernatural elements. Instead it was the unchallenged societal power held by the men that was really terrifying. They did not see women as people and basically did whatever they wanted with and to Josephine and Nora, and no one would ever challenge them because society says they are correct to see and treat women as inferior.
In fact, I gotta say that the supernatural elements were probably the weakest part of the story. Especially during the finale it felt weird and nonsensical, and ended up slightly ruining the tension for me. But that was pretty much the only thing I didn’t like, everything else was just ✨chef’s kiss✨
Tropes and such:
initially very unlikeable love interest
house haunted by its previous mistresses, who all died young and not always of natural causes
also the house is sexist (yes the actual building)
heavy misogyny, including attempted rape and borderline medical abuse of a wife
some very justified female rage
----
Do the queer characters get a happy ending?
----
Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing for the ARC
This book is mainly character-driven, and the characters were indeed the best part of this book. The cast is very small and there’s really only 4-5 characters that actually get character traits and personality, but that worked perfectly well. I initially really didn’t think the story would be able to make me warm-up to Nora at all, especially not to the point where I’d be rooting for her relationship with Josephine. But, damn, it got me.
I also loved just how mundane a lot of the horror elements in this were, cause there are ghosts and other supernatural stuff, but the really terrifying parts had basically no supernatural elements. Instead it was the unchallenged societal power held by the men that was really terrifying. They did not see women as people and basically did whatever they wanted with and to Josephine and Nora, and no one would ever challenge them because society says they are correct to see and treat women as inferior.
In fact, I gotta say that the supernatural elements were probably the weakest part of the story. Especially during the finale it felt weird and nonsensical, and ended up slightly ruining the tension for me. But that was pretty much the only thing I didn’t like, everything else was just ✨chef’s kiss✨
Tropes and such:
initially very unlikeable love interest
house haunted by its previous mistresses, who all died young and not always of natural causes
also the house is sexist (yes the actual building)
heavy misogyny, including attempted rape and borderline medical abuse of a wife
some very justified female rage
----
Do the queer characters get a happy ending?
----
Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing for the ARC
May 11, 2026
3.25 ⭐
June 3, 2026
Ehhh… this did not deliver what I was hoping it would. I’d give it a 2.75 stars as someone who rates very conservatively. I’ve never watched the Haunting of Bly Manor, but I imagine this novel’s plot is quite similar—it also brings to mind Jane Eyre and Henry XI’s wives, of course.
I would ultimately recommend this for modern romance fans who want the aesthetics and stakes of historical fiction without the lore—think Bridgerton, not Gone With the Wind in terms of genre.
In full honesty, if it weren’t for the unapologetic lesbian representation and the fact that I wanted this to count for my 2026 reading challenge, I would have DNFed this at around 60-70 percent. The stakes of the novel just.. disappear, the plot becomes mechanically convenient, and there aren’t enough lore or details actually provided in the exposition to make its ending believable or interesting. Josephine and Nora are theoretically compelling protagonists who unfortunately feel quite flat—aside from their general backstories, their dialogue and interactions are usually quite formulaic. The writing itself, in word choice and style especially, becomes progressively cliche in the novel’s second half in a disservice to the first.
Highs:
- Josephine is unabashed in her beliefs and opinions—even her actions, which can sometimes make her a bit frustrating, but which I think is really critical representation for sapphics generally and for the time period (which was a bit vague in the novel) that she lives in
- there’s a really compelling premise here with Nora’s story, and that of the wives—I think this book needs more historical and periodical research and details for some more worldbuilding. There are so many social issues with gender and sexuality across economics, marriage, sex, and family that this novel handles, but it feels sometimes superficial despite having a very heavy subject matter.
Lows:
- despite herrick being personified and acting as a plot driver/entity, we never learn why it is haunted, or any substantial information about its family. One would also think that a house that’s been haunted for 3 generations might have caused some rumor around the country (servants talk, no?) but I digress.
- Josephine’s motives and decision making became increasingly difficult to parse as the novel continues. There were several moments where she derived conclusions I couldn’t follow, or (after the major plot event at around 75%) that were even illogical—mistakes that seemed more necessary to drive the plot than anything else.
- the SA in this book was completely overlooked—it just happened, and we don’t get to hear any sort of emotional processing, discussion between Josephine and Nora—nothing. I feel like this would absolutely have traumatized Josephine, and the brushing-over left a bad taste in my mouth.
- there were a couple of moments where Josephine’s feud with chambers felt a bit embarrassing..their specific retorts or comebacks (whilst dealing with other men external to the house) made both her and chambers read like they were 18 instead of 26 and 50-something
- the book uses US grammar and spelling while being set in England, as well as a few phrases that definitely weren’t around before 1930 at least
- the wives of herrick: we get lore and information for them at around the 30% mark, but this is mostly forgotten by the time they start playing a critical role in the novel’s plot. Their role in the finale was also far too deus ex machina for me personally
-there is no epilogue resolution regarding Josephine’s dad and her relationship with him (or the state of their property), despite this being such a central focus of the novel’s exposition
I would ultimately recommend this for modern romance fans who want the aesthetics and stakes of historical fiction without the lore—think Bridgerton, not Gone With the Wind in terms of genre.
In full honesty, if it weren’t for the unapologetic lesbian representation and the fact that I wanted this to count for my 2026 reading challenge, I would have DNFed this at around 60-70 percent. The stakes of the novel just.. disappear, the plot becomes mechanically convenient, and there aren’t enough lore or details actually provided in the exposition to make its ending believable or interesting. Josephine and Nora are theoretically compelling protagonists who unfortunately feel quite flat—aside from their general backstories, their dialogue and interactions are usually quite formulaic. The writing itself, in word choice and style especially, becomes progressively cliche in the novel’s second half in a disservice to the first.
Highs:
- Josephine is unabashed in her beliefs and opinions—even her actions, which can sometimes make her a bit frustrating, but which I think is really critical representation for sapphics generally and for the time period (which was a bit vague in the novel) that she lives in
- there’s a really compelling premise here with Nora’s story, and that of the wives—I think this book needs more historical and periodical research and details for some more worldbuilding. There are so many social issues with gender and sexuality across economics, marriage, sex, and family that this novel handles, but it feels sometimes superficial despite having a very heavy subject matter.
Lows:
- despite herrick being personified and acting as a plot driver/entity, we never learn why it is haunted, or any substantial information about its family. One would also think that a house that’s been haunted for 3 generations might have caused some rumor around the country (servants talk, no?) but I digress.
- Josephine’s motives and decision making became increasingly difficult to parse as the novel continues. There were several moments where she derived conclusions I couldn’t follow, or (after the major plot event at around 75%) that were even illogical—mistakes that seemed more necessary to drive the plot than anything else.
- the SA in this book was completely overlooked—it just happened, and we don’t get to hear any sort of emotional processing, discussion between Josephine and Nora—nothing. I feel like this would absolutely have traumatized Josephine, and the brushing-over left a bad taste in my mouth.
- there were a couple of moments where Josephine’s feud with chambers felt a bit embarrassing..their specific retorts or comebacks (whilst dealing with other men external to the house) made both her and chambers read like they were 18 instead of 26 and 50-something
- the book uses US grammar and spelling while being set in England, as well as a few phrases that definitely weren’t around before 1930 at least
- the wives of herrick: we get lore and information for them at around the 30% mark, but this is mostly forgotten by the time they start playing a critical role in the novel’s plot. Their role in the finale was also far too deus ex machina for me personally
-there is no epilogue resolution regarding Josephine’s dad and her relationship with him (or the state of their property), despite this being such a central focus of the novel’s exposition
May 5, 2026
This book feels like stepping into a house that’s watching you back and makes you weary of the shadows at the edge of your vision. It was unsettling in a way where you can’t quite tell what’s real and what’s been twisted by fear, grief, and generations of haunted women. The horror isn’t just in the house, it’s in the minds of the women forced to survive within it and of the readers experiencing it all over.
This is a story about what haunts us. Memories, expectations, loves, and the roles women are carved into whether they fit or not. It begs to know what it means to be wanted versus what it means to want, and how dangerous that distinction can be. And then there are the wives who came before and their desires not just to be remembered, but to leave a mark and get their long-awaited revenge.
Nora and Josephine’s connection is aching and charged with everything they’re not allowed to name out loud. Their longing feels fragile and desperate, like something that will either save them or ruin them completely.
Haunting, intimate, and quietly furious, this is a story about ghosts in every sense of the word—the ones we inherit, the ones we create, and the ones that refuse to let us go.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Favorite Quotes:
“I was proficient in for my lack of experience with unyielding confidence.”
“If you died, I know you’d make a vengeful ghost and haunt me for the rest of my days.”
“Dreams have a way of making monsters of our greatest anxieties. But they are not prognosticators of our futures.”
“I know I am difficult to love but this is my small rebellion. Being loved is all a woman is taught to need, and sometimes, don’t you yearn for more?”
“[She] needed to feel wanted, yet wanted to need no one. This is a dangerous game…”
“You hold my entire world in your hands, and I beg you to keep it safe.”
“I cried to the shadows cobwebbing the darkened room. But they were just shadows, and I the mad woman pleading with them.”
“Would you prefer to leave this world with no mark left behind? I, for one, dream of leaving scars.”
This is a story about what haunts us. Memories, expectations, loves, and the roles women are carved into whether they fit or not. It begs to know what it means to be wanted versus what it means to want, and how dangerous that distinction can be. And then there are the wives who came before and their desires not just to be remembered, but to leave a mark and get their long-awaited revenge.
Nora and Josephine’s connection is aching and charged with everything they’re not allowed to name out loud. Their longing feels fragile and desperate, like something that will either save them or ruin them completely.
Haunting, intimate, and quietly furious, this is a story about ghosts in every sense of the word—the ones we inherit, the ones we create, and the ones that refuse to let us go.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Favorite Quotes:
“I was proficient in for my lack of experience with unyielding confidence.”
“If you died, I know you’d make a vengeful ghost and haunt me for the rest of my days.”
“Dreams have a way of making monsters of our greatest anxieties. But they are not prognosticators of our futures.”
“I know I am difficult to love but this is my small rebellion. Being loved is all a woman is taught to need, and sometimes, don’t you yearn for more?”
“[She] needed to feel wanted, yet wanted to need no one. This is a dangerous game…”
“You hold my entire world in your hands, and I beg you to keep it safe.”
“I cried to the shadows cobwebbing the darkened room. But they were just shadows, and I the mad woman pleading with them.”
“Would you prefer to leave this world with no mark left behind? I, for one, dream of leaving scars.”
May 30, 2026
Josephine Carter was sold off by her father to lord Blake to be a lady’s companion to his wife, Henora “Nora”Blake. The house is haunted by the wives/mistresses of the Lords of the past.
Gothic sapphic romance. I found this book rather slow. I liked the mystery of it when it came to the hauntings of Herrick Hall. As well as the mystery of who the villain is in the story. Is it the wives? Or the lord Blake himself? Or the butler?
What I also dislike about was that Josephine called Nora “sir”or that Nora called Josephine “Joseph”. Feels too masculine. The ending of the book was an interesting one. But this book is not for me. Be aware also that there are many sad triggers in this book (some implied).
I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Gothic sapphic romance. I found this book rather slow. I liked the mystery of it when it came to the hauntings of Herrick Hall. As well as the mystery of who the villain is in the story. Is it the wives? Or the lord Blake himself? Or the butler?
What I also dislike about was that Josephine called Nora “sir”or that Nora called Josephine “Joseph”. Feels too masculine. The ending of the book was an interesting one. But this book is not for me. Be aware also that there are many sad triggers in this book (some implied).
I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 25, 2026
Cursed houses and sapphic yearning, all tied together with sublime prose. No wonder I devoured this book!
The Wives of Herrick Hall is a gothic horror romance set in 1700s England. The story follows Josephine, a newly appointed lady's companion, as she navigates the cursed arteries of Herrick Hall. There, she is haunted by the ghosts of wives past, as well as coming to terms with her deepening attraction to Herrick's current wife, Nora.
I really enjoyed this book! Anyone looking for Jane Eyre/Wuthering Heights vibes with queer representation? I definitely recommend it.
The Wives of Herrick Hall is a gothic horror romance set in 1700s England. The story follows Josephine, a newly appointed lady's companion, as she navigates the cursed arteries of Herrick Hall. There, she is haunted by the ghosts of wives past, as well as coming to terms with her deepening attraction to Herrick's current wife, Nora.
I really enjoyed this book! Anyone looking for Jane Eyre/Wuthering Heights vibes with queer representation? I definitely recommend it.
October 18, 2026
This was absolutely the perfect read for spooky season. Deliciously gothic (hits every stereotypical gothic note, which is just what I craved), dark and moody, tense. And deeply romantic.
I listened to this mostly on audiobook, and the narrator was amazing. I think she was partially why I was so immediately endeared to Nora. Nora is tricky as a love interest because of her abrasiveness and perceived shallowness, but I found myself fond of her right off the bat.
Also:
All in all, I loved this book because it gave me exactly what I was looking for at exactly the right time. I highly recommend listening to this one on audiobook!
I listened to this mostly on audiobook, and the narrator was amazing. I think she was partially why I was so immediately endeared to Nora. Nora is tricky as a love interest because of her abrasiveness and perceived shallowness, but I found myself fond of her right off the bat.
Also:
All in all, I loved this book because it gave me exactly what I was looking for at exactly the right time. I highly recommend listening to this one on audiobook!
May 22, 2026
Saw this pitched as a Sapphic Jane Eyre/Rebecca gothic horror. Couldn't think of something more targeted to me. And it actually felt like that. I only wish it was a little longer.
October 26, 2026
I love sapphics but I don't love traditional gothic stories
April 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for and honest review.
Dear lord I don’t even know where to start!
As a sapphic myself, I wish I had books like this during my more angsty teenage years. The gothic atmosphere and the haunted house and ghosts made for an incredibly nostalgic touch and adding yearning unhinged lesbians to the mix made it absolutely delectable.
The writing was poetic and witty although I will say that scenes with the ghosts made it quite confusing to distinguish between dream and reality but other than that I most certainly had an amazing time reading this
3.5 stars
Dear lord I don’t even know where to start!
As a sapphic myself, I wish I had books like this during my more angsty teenage years. The gothic atmosphere and the haunted house and ghosts made for an incredibly nostalgic touch and adding yearning unhinged lesbians to the mix made it absolutely delectable.
The writing was poetic and witty although I will say that scenes with the ghosts made it quite confusing to distinguish between dream and reality but other than that I most certainly had an amazing time reading this
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Wives of Herrick Hall by Julie Lew has the most enticing of ingredients. A woman (Josephine “Joseph” Carter) has her life overturned by scandal (she’s caught with another woman). It’s 1799, so it’s historical fiction. Josephine is sent away as a lady’s companion to an isolated area and a big, imposing house, joining herself to a woman (Honora “Nora” Blake) who seems to be mad. There are ghosts! The house seems to be alive! The book promises the women fall in love!
Alas; this didn’t all fit together the way I had hoped. I’ll start with the positives:
+The sex scene was steamy, and while I didn’t love the relationship, I felt that it was done right and I could feel the passion between them.
+The twist 2/3 of the way through really ratcheted up the tension and left me wondering how Josephine and Nora could possibly come out on top.
Mixed bag:
~ The language isn’t very period accurate, which can be make or break for readers. For me, as long as it’s not extremely egregious (say someone uttering “yo, how’s it hangin’, bro?” In 1657), I can overlook it, but for others, it can be a hard line they won’t cross.
Negatives:
-The passage of time moves very quickly. It’s not an uncommon thing with gothic novels, I’ve noticed, but it feels like it’s an easy, sort of cheap way to have characters get closer to others offpage when weeks go by.
-This is the big, BIG issue I had that coloured my whole view of the book: Nora. First impressions—especially with a love interest—are huge, and I was IMMEDIATELY turned off by Nora. She’s rude. She insults the staff as if they aren’t even there (which I know wasn’t totally uncommon with some treating their staff like furniture, ignoring their presence), she throws stuff at people, and her first run in with Josephine has her saying she doesn’t care if she’s a “cocksucking whore”. If I was married to her, I’d never want to be home, either.
Josephine was awful in some instances as well. It’s weird to me that she immediately despises Chambers for putting her in a small room and tricking her with Nora’s tea order but doesn’t mind a woman who calls her names and throws things at her and often sends her away, screaming at her. The fact that she was willing to treat Chambers like shit to get in Nora’s good graces rubbed me wrong. Sorry, but I don’t love a character who orders another to throw her drink in a servant’s face, nor do I love the other who does so to keep her good position. Nora seems EXTREMELY immature, like she’s maybe fifteen years old and her parents indulging her made her mistreat everyone who is a social inferior. She’s twenty-two, though, and her apology is nothing more than to say she’s “unhinged” or “being irrational” and to just “ignore her”.
I just don’t get WHY it would be hard for Josephine to want to leave, why she started to want to stay for Nora. She constantly flinched, waiting for Nora to throw her out or cast her back down to terrible digs, and if Nora decreed she was to stay in her room without food, then she must. She was barred from exiting and everyone tried to keep her from leaving first the house and then the grounds. Is she so desperate to like Nora just because Nora is into women? Because I honestly don’t see the appeal. “Wavering between offering support and allowing my head to be bitten off, or keeping quiet so she might forget my presence” makes for very grim reading indeed, and this is at 46%! The fact that they realise they’re attracted to each other and declare love for one another comes almost out of left field because even RIGHT up to that point, Josephine was constantly waiting for Nora to yell at her or punish her. In point of fact, AFTER they had their romantic interlude, Josephine was certain Nora would again treat her poorly.
Who do I recommend this to? It’s queer, so anyone who enjoys novels with both queer characters and a queer relationship could pick it up. It isn’t MY type of romance that I like to read, but I’m aware some people appreciate this type of fiction. Its strength lies with the Gothic theme, however; the couple has ghosts to figure out and a house to defend against while trying to survive a curse that’s been laid down for over a century.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Alas; this didn’t all fit together the way I had hoped. I’ll start with the positives:
+The sex scene was steamy, and while I didn’t love the relationship, I felt that it was done right and I could feel the passion between them.
+The twist 2/3 of the way through really ratcheted up the tension and left me wondering how Josephine and Nora could possibly come out on top.
Mixed bag:
~ The language isn’t very period accurate, which can be make or break for readers. For me, as long as it’s not extremely egregious (say someone uttering “yo, how’s it hangin’, bro?” In 1657), I can overlook it, but for others, it can be a hard line they won’t cross.
Negatives:
-The passage of time moves very quickly. It’s not an uncommon thing with gothic novels, I’ve noticed, but it feels like it’s an easy, sort of cheap way to have characters get closer to others offpage when weeks go by.
-This is the big, BIG issue I had that coloured my whole view of the book: Nora. First impressions—especially with a love interest—are huge, and I was IMMEDIATELY turned off by Nora. She’s rude. She insults the staff as if they aren’t even there (which I know wasn’t totally uncommon with some treating their staff like furniture, ignoring their presence), she throws stuff at people, and her first run in with Josephine has her saying she doesn’t care if she’s a “cocksucking whore”. If I was married to her, I’d never want to be home, either.
Josephine was awful in some instances as well. It’s weird to me that she immediately despises Chambers for putting her in a small room and tricking her with Nora’s tea order but doesn’t mind a woman who calls her names and throws things at her and often sends her away, screaming at her. The fact that she was willing to treat Chambers like shit to get in Nora’s good graces rubbed me wrong. Sorry, but I don’t love a character who orders another to throw her drink in a servant’s face, nor do I love the other who does so to keep her good position. Nora seems EXTREMELY immature, like she’s maybe fifteen years old and her parents indulging her made her mistreat everyone who is a social inferior. She’s twenty-two, though, and her apology is nothing more than to say she’s “unhinged” or “being irrational” and to just “ignore her”.
I just don’t get WHY it would be hard for Josephine to want to leave, why she started to want to stay for Nora. She constantly flinched, waiting for Nora to throw her out or cast her back down to terrible digs, and if Nora decreed she was to stay in her room without food, then she must. She was barred from exiting and everyone tried to keep her from leaving first the house and then the grounds. Is she so desperate to like Nora just because Nora is into women? Because I honestly don’t see the appeal. “Wavering between offering support and allowing my head to be bitten off, or keeping quiet so she might forget my presence” makes for very grim reading indeed, and this is at 46%! The fact that they realise they’re attracted to each other and declare love for one another comes almost out of left field because even RIGHT up to that point, Josephine was constantly waiting for Nora to yell at her or punish her. In point of fact, AFTER they had their romantic interlude, Josephine was certain Nora would again treat her poorly.
Who do I recommend this to? It’s queer, so anyone who enjoys novels with both queer characters and a queer relationship could pick it up. It isn’t MY type of romance that I like to read, but I’m aware some people appreciate this type of fiction. Its strength lies with the Gothic theme, however; the couple has ghosts to figure out and a house to defend against while trying to survive a curse that’s been laid down for over a century.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2026
I wanted to enjoy this novel. The premise—a gothic mystery set in the 1700s with haunted halls, family secrets, and forbidden love—should have been exactly the kind of story that draws me in. Instead, I found myself increasingly pulled out of the narrative by anachronistic language, inconsistent characterization, and dialogue that rarely feels authentic.
The first crack in the illusion came early. Modern expressions feel strikingly out of place in an eighteenth-century setting. Historical fiction does not need to imitate period English perfectly, but it should preserve the illusion of the era. Every time contemporary language surfaced, I was reminded that I was reading a modern author rather than inhabiting an eighteenth-century world.
The protagonist was an even greater source of frustration. Her personality shifts from scene to scene depending on what the plot requires. One moment she carries herself with the pride and expectations of a young gentlewoman; the next she seems oddly accepting of circumstances that should provoke far greater internal conflict. Her motivations often feel underdeveloped or contradictory, making it difficult to understand or emotionally invest in her decisions.
The dialogue is where the novel struggled the most for me. Conversations rarely feel organic. Rather than sounding like two people genuinely listening and responding to one another, the exchanges often read as though each character is simply delivering the next line the plot requires. Questions are answered in ways that don't naturally follow from what was just asked, and the conversations rarely build upon one another. Instead of revealing character or deepening relationships, many interactions remain surprisingly superficial—as though the characters are exchanging pleasantries without ever exposing who they truly are. There is banter, but very little meaningful communication.
This creates an odd disconnect. The prose strives to be lyrical and atmospheric, yet beneath the ornate language there is often very little emotional weight. Beautiful sentences alone cannot replace believable human behavior. I never felt the tension, vulnerability, uncertainty, or longing that should drive a gothic novel. The words describe emotion more often than they evoke it.
Perhaps that is why the novel felt strangely artificial to me. Not because the prose is technically poor, but because the emotional rhythms of real human interaction seem absent. Characters often speak and react in ways that feel constructed rather than lived. Their conversations rarely carry the subtle pauses, misunderstandings, or emotional undercurrents that make people feel real. Instead, the dialogue frequently resembles an outline of a conversation rather than a conversation itself.
What surprised me most was how young the novel felt. Although it is marketed as adult gothic fiction, the emotional voice, internal dialogue, and characterization often read closer to young adult fiction. Adult fiction isn't defined by mature subject matter alone; it is distinguished by psychological depth, consistency, and an understanding of how people think and communicate. Here, I rarely felt I was inhabiting the mind of someone shaped by the rigid expectations of the eighteenth century. Instead, I heard a distinctly modern voice wearing historical clothing.
The novel also seems caught between two approaches to historical fiction. Some authors immerse readers in the values, language, and worldview of another era. Others intentionally tell modern stories within historical settings. Either approach can succeed, but this novel never fully commits to either. The result is a world that feels less like eighteenth-century England and more like a contemporary story dressed in period costume.
I will continue reading because every novel deserves the opportunity to improve as its story unfolds. However, based on what I've read so far, I have found myself admiring the ambition more than the execution. For me, the atmosphere is repeatedly undermined by inconsistent characterization, emotionally shallow dialogue, and prose that reaches for elegance without providing the emotional substance to support it. I continued-- it continued to fall flat for me.
The first crack in the illusion came early. Modern expressions feel strikingly out of place in an eighteenth-century setting. Historical fiction does not need to imitate period English perfectly, but it should preserve the illusion of the era. Every time contemporary language surfaced, I was reminded that I was reading a modern author rather than inhabiting an eighteenth-century world.
The protagonist was an even greater source of frustration. Her personality shifts from scene to scene depending on what the plot requires. One moment she carries herself with the pride and expectations of a young gentlewoman; the next she seems oddly accepting of circumstances that should provoke far greater internal conflict. Her motivations often feel underdeveloped or contradictory, making it difficult to understand or emotionally invest in her decisions.
The dialogue is where the novel struggled the most for me. Conversations rarely feel organic. Rather than sounding like two people genuinely listening and responding to one another, the exchanges often read as though each character is simply delivering the next line the plot requires. Questions are answered in ways that don't naturally follow from what was just asked, and the conversations rarely build upon one another. Instead of revealing character or deepening relationships, many interactions remain surprisingly superficial—as though the characters are exchanging pleasantries without ever exposing who they truly are. There is banter, but very little meaningful communication.
This creates an odd disconnect. The prose strives to be lyrical and atmospheric, yet beneath the ornate language there is often very little emotional weight. Beautiful sentences alone cannot replace believable human behavior. I never felt the tension, vulnerability, uncertainty, or longing that should drive a gothic novel. The words describe emotion more often than they evoke it.
Perhaps that is why the novel felt strangely artificial to me. Not because the prose is technically poor, but because the emotional rhythms of real human interaction seem absent. Characters often speak and react in ways that feel constructed rather than lived. Their conversations rarely carry the subtle pauses, misunderstandings, or emotional undercurrents that make people feel real. Instead, the dialogue frequently resembles an outline of a conversation rather than a conversation itself.
What surprised me most was how young the novel felt. Although it is marketed as adult gothic fiction, the emotional voice, internal dialogue, and characterization often read closer to young adult fiction. Adult fiction isn't defined by mature subject matter alone; it is distinguished by psychological depth, consistency, and an understanding of how people think and communicate. Here, I rarely felt I was inhabiting the mind of someone shaped by the rigid expectations of the eighteenth century. Instead, I heard a distinctly modern voice wearing historical clothing.
The novel also seems caught between two approaches to historical fiction. Some authors immerse readers in the values, language, and worldview of another era. Others intentionally tell modern stories within historical settings. Either approach can succeed, but this novel never fully commits to either. The result is a world that feels less like eighteenth-century England and more like a contemporary story dressed in period costume.
I will continue reading because every novel deserves the opportunity to improve as its story unfolds. However, based on what I've read so far, I have found myself admiring the ambition more than the execution. For me, the atmosphere is repeatedly undermined by inconsistent characterization, emotionally shallow dialogue, and prose that reaches for elegance without providing the emotional substance to support it. I continued-- it continued to fall flat for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Possible Spoilers*
The Wives of Herrick Hall is a gothic romance dripping in female rage. Julie Lew did a good job personifying ways in which women sacrifice themselves to survive a biased system. My favorite characters were the wronged wives of Herrick Hall’s late patriarchs. Giving life to an inanimate object like a rich man’s house is a creative and interesting way to depict the never ending battle against sexism.
Unfortunately, Josephine and Nora felt less like characters, and more like stepping stones for the plot. While I sympathized with her, Josephine doesn’t read as anything other than the headstrong protagonist in a feminist novel. She’s constantly (and rightfully) enraged by her assigned station in life. That’s kind of it. Nora felt like a more complex character. Her moods are erratic; she’s seen as mentally mad and a victim of female fragility. When her husband is around, she almost brainwashes herself into being a doting wife. I wish that we had gotten occasional chapters from her point of view. It felt like a bit of a disservice to only hear her words through Josephine’s lens.
The romance between them didn’t interest me. It felt like Lew was trying to do too much. What threw me off about their love story was definitely the speed. Feminism through the sapphic eye is an underrepresented narrative, but with how quick the plot moves, focusing solely on one would have made everything more cohesive. There just isn’t enough page time to build a solid relationship, and introduce a sexist, sort-of living, house with possessed staff. It felt like Nora clung to the first person who didn’t diagnose her with insanity. There wasn’t even a friendship period between the two. They go from disliking each other, to having sex, to being in love, to being mothers. Female rage is one hundred percent a valid relationship bonder, but I wish that their romantic foundation felt sturdier than just adrenaline fueled enamoration.
What I did find interesting was how the paranormal aspect was approached. Herrick Hall is an English manor that gets passed down through the men. It corrupts the staff into continuing the cycle of bias, and paints Nora and Josephine as unreliable narrators (subtle metaphor, I know). The wives of the dead Herrick patriarchs haunt the hallways and corridors with nightmares of death and demise. They all died cruel, unjustified deaths at the hands of their husbands (both directly and indirectly). At first Josephine thinks they’re working against her. In actuality, the women are rattling the bars of the cage and sending (albeit disturbing) warnings to her. Like how humans are taught to be weary of the unseen, women are taught to distrust other women.
Having the wives’ perspectives would have strengthened the story. It would have been cool if the dead wives told their story through chapters where the reader doesn’t necessarily know whether Josephine’s the narrator, or somebody else entirely. Personal quibbles aside, this novel was an interesting commentary of society, and a fun mysterious read. If you are interested in a gothic/paranormal twist on feminism, The Wives of Herrick Hall is right up that alley.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Wives of Herrick Hall is a gothic romance dripping in female rage. Julie Lew did a good job personifying ways in which women sacrifice themselves to survive a biased system. My favorite characters were the wronged wives of Herrick Hall’s late patriarchs. Giving life to an inanimate object like a rich man’s house is a creative and interesting way to depict the never ending battle against sexism.
Unfortunately, Josephine and Nora felt less like characters, and more like stepping stones for the plot. While I sympathized with her, Josephine doesn’t read as anything other than the headstrong protagonist in a feminist novel. She’s constantly (and rightfully) enraged by her assigned station in life. That’s kind of it. Nora felt like a more complex character. Her moods are erratic; she’s seen as mentally mad and a victim of female fragility. When her husband is around, she almost brainwashes herself into being a doting wife. I wish that we had gotten occasional chapters from her point of view. It felt like a bit of a disservice to only hear her words through Josephine’s lens.
The romance between them didn’t interest me. It felt like Lew was trying to do too much. What threw me off about their love story was definitely the speed. Feminism through the sapphic eye is an underrepresented narrative, but with how quick the plot moves, focusing solely on one would have made everything more cohesive. There just isn’t enough page time to build a solid relationship, and introduce a sexist, sort-of living, house with possessed staff. It felt like Nora clung to the first person who didn’t diagnose her with insanity. There wasn’t even a friendship period between the two. They go from disliking each other, to having sex, to being in love, to being mothers. Female rage is one hundred percent a valid relationship bonder, but I wish that their romantic foundation felt sturdier than just adrenaline fueled enamoration.
What I did find interesting was how the paranormal aspect was approached. Herrick Hall is an English manor that gets passed down through the men. It corrupts the staff into continuing the cycle of bias, and paints Nora and Josephine as unreliable narrators (subtle metaphor, I know). The wives of the dead Herrick patriarchs haunt the hallways and corridors with nightmares of death and demise. They all died cruel, unjustified deaths at the hands of their husbands (both directly and indirectly). At first Josephine thinks they’re working against her. In actuality, the women are rattling the bars of the cage and sending (albeit disturbing) warnings to her. Like how humans are taught to be weary of the unseen, women are taught to distrust other women.
Having the wives’ perspectives would have strengthened the story. It would have been cool if the dead wives told their story through chapters where the reader doesn’t necessarily know whether Josephine’s the narrator, or somebody else entirely. Personal quibbles aside, this novel was an interesting commentary of society, and a fun mysterious read. If you are interested in a gothic/paranormal twist on feminism, The Wives of Herrick Hall is right up that alley.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
The Wives of Herrick Hall by Julie Lew follows Josephine Carter, who is sent away by her father to a creepy manor called Herrick Hall. There, she becomes the companion to Lady Nora Blake, a sickly and strange woman who relives her own death every night. Herrick Hall is haunted by the ghosts of its former wives, who want to destroy Herrick and everyone who lives there.
Or at least, that's what the premise says...
I had really high hopes going into this book. It reminded me a bit of Carmilla. Not plot-wise, but the overall vibe: The relationship between the two women in the 18th century who are not alowed to have each other. The dark, gothic setting in which the story takes place in and which I really liked. I loved the atmosphere, and the writing style worked well for me. On paper, this book had everything I usually love.
But the story was not what it promised to be.
The biggest letdown was the ghosts. We’re told the wives watch every night, that they haunt the house and the people inside it—but they barely even did anything. They were just kind of… there. Sometimes. You could honestly remove the ghosts and the story would work almost the same. Nora says she sees the wives dying every night, but the reader bare does. For a gothic haunted house book, that was really disappointing. I was hoping for more.
The first half also dragged a lot. Almost nothing happens for a long time. It’s mostly walks and tea. Although I have to say, I wasn’t bored by any means. Ironically, I probably enjoyed the first half more than the middle part, when the story actually starts. I don't know why. But I kept waiting for for ghosts and deaths and haunting. For such a dramatic premise, it felt strangely empty.
The romance was another issue. Nora falls in love with Josephine, and Josephine suddenly falls in love with Nora, even though Nora is pretty awful to her. Their relationship felt rushed and underdeveloped, like it skipped all the important steps. I didn’t feel the chemistry, and the first “I love you” did nothing to me. I did enjoy their relationship, but it was hard to truly believe in their sudden love.
The cover is very pretty. And I really liked the ending.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book. I enjoyed parts of it, and I never felt completely bored. But it wasn’t what I hoped it would be. It left me disappointed, mostly because it could have been so much better.
This books comes out on May 5th, 2026.
Thanks to the publisher, the author and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Wives of Herrick Hall by Julie Lew follows Josephine Carter, who is sent away by her father to a creepy manor called Herrick Hall. There, she becomes the companion to Lady Nora Blake, a sickly and strange woman who relives her own death every night. Herrick Hall is haunted by the ghosts of its former wives, who want to destroy Herrick and everyone who lives there.
Or at least, that's what the premise says...
I had really high hopes going into this book. It reminded me a bit of Carmilla. Not plot-wise, but the overall vibe: The relationship between the two women in the 18th century who are not alowed to have each other. The dark, gothic setting in which the story takes place in and which I really liked. I loved the atmosphere, and the writing style worked well for me. On paper, this book had everything I usually love.
But the story was not what it promised to be.
The biggest letdown was the ghosts. We’re told the wives watch every night, that they haunt the house and the people inside it—but they barely even did anything. They were just kind of… there. Sometimes. You could honestly remove the ghosts and the story would work almost the same. Nora says she sees the wives dying every night, but the reader bare does. For a gothic haunted house book, that was really disappointing. I was hoping for more.
The first half also dragged a lot. Almost nothing happens for a long time. It’s mostly walks and tea. Although I have to say, I wasn’t bored by any means. Ironically, I probably enjoyed the first half more than the middle part, when the story actually starts. I don't know why. But I kept waiting for for ghosts and deaths and haunting. For such a dramatic premise, it felt strangely empty.
The romance was another issue. Nora falls in love with Josephine, and Josephine suddenly falls in love with Nora, even though Nora is pretty awful to her. Their relationship felt rushed and underdeveloped, like it skipped all the important steps. I didn’t feel the chemistry, and the first “I love you” did nothing to me. I did enjoy their relationship, but it was hard to truly believe in their sudden love.
The cover is very pretty. And I really liked the ending.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book. I enjoyed parts of it, and I never felt completely bored. But it wasn’t what I hoped it would be. It left me disappointed, mostly because it could have been so much better.
This books comes out on May 5th, 2026.
Thanks to the publisher, the author and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
💕
I think my issue is that, when I see “gothic sapphic romance” my expectations are so high, because I know it can be done well and thus I am always expectant that every gothic sapphic romance will be done well, and when it inevitably doesn’t reach those expectations I’m left disappointed.
TWOHH left me disappointed.
You know when you go to eat a piece of fruit that looks good but ends up being too sweet or too sour or the texture is off? That’s how this book felt.
The premise was promising. A disgraced lady sent to be the companion of a mad viscountess and ends up falling in love with her, all while being haunted by the ghosts of the previous viscounts’ wives. There’s a mysterious butler, a sort of friends to lovers romance, the husband who makes his return, and gothic ghosts who haunt a house that isn’t quite alive but almost feels like it is. All the ingredients to a story I would typically devour.
So, why didn’t I care for it?
The plot seemed shallow. The premise built it up to be this incredible story but it felt like the Temu version of the blurb. There’s ghosts? Okay. They didn’t do much and hardly added to the plot. In fact, I bet you could remove them and the book would still be able to progress. There’s a mysterious butler. And? What did he do? Nothing. The first half of the book draaaaaaaaagged. I mean, sure. Without Lord Blake there to advance the story, all Nora and Joseph could do was embroidery and go for walks and drink tea. That’s ALL they did for like 60% of the book. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I (an expert on all things gothic, trust me) don’t believe going to a frivolous party is…gothic? But that aside, nothing. Happened.
I’ll say it since I don’t think anyone else will.
Nora was a bitch.
“B-b-b-but she is mentally unstable!”
So? She’s still a bitch. She is horrible to Joseph for 80% of the book. Like, HORRIBLE. There’s no chemistry between them unless the chemistry is akin to NaCl. She is mean and bitchy and naive and honestly? I kinda hated her.
Joseph was a bitch, too, but at least her motivations were clear (escape the house, go home).
The ending was…bleh. Okay! Cool. Happily ever after.
What about Joseph’s father? What about her wish to go home? Also, how is the house suddenly normal now that the ghosts that were freed are back?
I don’t know. I wish I liked this book. I feel like every review I write for sapphic romances is negative and it sucks because I loooooove sapphic romance but they are all so boring.
If you liked this book, I HIGHLY suggest checking out the webcomic Nevermore.
💕
I think my issue is that, when I see “gothic sapphic romance” my expectations are so high, because I know it can be done well and thus I am always expectant that every gothic sapphic romance will be done well, and when it inevitably doesn’t reach those expectations I’m left disappointed.
TWOHH left me disappointed.
You know when you go to eat a piece of fruit that looks good but ends up being too sweet or too sour or the texture is off? That’s how this book felt.
The premise was promising. A disgraced lady sent to be the companion of a mad viscountess and ends up falling in love with her, all while being haunted by the ghosts of the previous viscounts’ wives. There’s a mysterious butler, a sort of friends to lovers romance, the husband who makes his return, and gothic ghosts who haunt a house that isn’t quite alive but almost feels like it is. All the ingredients to a story I would typically devour.
So, why didn’t I care for it?
The plot seemed shallow. The premise built it up to be this incredible story but it felt like the Temu version of the blurb. There’s ghosts? Okay. They didn’t do much and hardly added to the plot. In fact, I bet you could remove them and the book would still be able to progress. There’s a mysterious butler. And? What did he do? Nothing. The first half of the book draaaaaaaaagged. I mean, sure. Without Lord Blake there to advance the story, all Nora and Joseph could do was embroidery and go for walks and drink tea. That’s ALL they did for like 60% of the book. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I (an expert on all things gothic, trust me) don’t believe going to a frivolous party is…gothic? But that aside, nothing. Happened.
I’ll say it since I don’t think anyone else will.
Nora was a bitch.
“B-b-b-but she is mentally unstable!”
So? She’s still a bitch. She is horrible to Joseph for 80% of the book. Like, HORRIBLE. There’s no chemistry between them unless the chemistry is akin to NaCl. She is mean and bitchy and naive and honestly? I kinda hated her.
Joseph was a bitch, too, but at least her motivations were clear (escape the house, go home).
The ending was…bleh. Okay! Cool. Happily ever after.
What about Joseph’s father? What about her wish to go home? Also, how is the house suddenly normal now that the ghosts that were freed are back?
I don’t know. I wish I liked this book. I feel like every review I write for sapphic romances is negative and it sucks because I loooooove sapphic romance but they are all so boring.
If you liked this book, I HIGHLY suggest checking out the webcomic Nevermore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2026
Title: The Wives of Herrick Hall
Author: Julie Lew
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Horror/Historical Fiction
Series: Standalone
Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
I was given an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the publisher, Quill and Crow Publishing House, through Netgalley, my thanks to both!
Josephine Carter is more than aware she has no options. After a scandal of falling in love with another woman, her father sends her to Herrick Hall to be a companion to the lady of the house, Honora. But when Josephine arrives, she soon discovers that Herrick Hall has a mind of his own and is haunted by its own share of ghosts. In the isolated manor in the country, she finds a strange sort of kinship with Nora that slowly develops into something more. But Herrick Hall finds ways to keep them apart, aided by the main servant, Chambers. When Nora’s husband returns to the manor, the darkness that surrounds the manor reaches a fever pitch, and Josephine must decide whether her new love is worth her life, and maybe even her soul…
This book was a haunting, chilling ghost story, with a tender, secret love at its center. I really enjoyed it. Herrick Hall felt as much a character in the book as Nora, Josephine, and Alexander. The ghosts lurked at the edge of the narrative, an ever menacing presence with secrets of their own. The pacing was smooth but quick, and I found myself trying to read slowly to make the book last longer. All of the characters felt well-rendered, and the house was haunted indeed by ghosts real and imagined. Joseph and Nora’s love story was well-written and fiercely fought for; it grounded the story even through the supernatural mystery. Alexander was a believable villain, with Chambers as his loyal henchmen, possessed by a force that was only hinted at until the end of the story. I really enjoyed it, and the ending felt a little open-ended. I would not be upset if there was a sequel in the works! This book is Julie Lew’s debut, and I have to say I will be watching for more from her! The Wives of Herrick Hall is a sapphic, dark ghost story, and I loved every moment of it! The bottom line: Rich with detail, full of twists and chills, I loved The Wives of Herrick Hall! Next on deck: Frida’s Cook by Florencia Etcheves!
https://literatureobsessed.blogspot.c...
Author: Julie Lew
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Horror/Historical Fiction
Series: Standalone
Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
I was given an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the publisher, Quill and Crow Publishing House, through Netgalley, my thanks to both!
Josephine Carter is more than aware she has no options. After a scandal of falling in love with another woman, her father sends her to Herrick Hall to be a companion to the lady of the house, Honora. But when Josephine arrives, she soon discovers that Herrick Hall has a mind of his own and is haunted by its own share of ghosts. In the isolated manor in the country, she finds a strange sort of kinship with Nora that slowly develops into something more. But Herrick Hall finds ways to keep them apart, aided by the main servant, Chambers. When Nora’s husband returns to the manor, the darkness that surrounds the manor reaches a fever pitch, and Josephine must decide whether her new love is worth her life, and maybe even her soul…
This book was a haunting, chilling ghost story, with a tender, secret love at its center. I really enjoyed it. Herrick Hall felt as much a character in the book as Nora, Josephine, and Alexander. The ghosts lurked at the edge of the narrative, an ever menacing presence with secrets of their own. The pacing was smooth but quick, and I found myself trying to read slowly to make the book last longer. All of the characters felt well-rendered, and the house was haunted indeed by ghosts real and imagined. Joseph and Nora’s love story was well-written and fiercely fought for; it grounded the story even through the supernatural mystery. Alexander was a believable villain, with Chambers as his loyal henchmen, possessed by a force that was only hinted at until the end of the story. I really enjoyed it, and the ending felt a little open-ended. I would not be upset if there was a sequel in the works! This book is Julie Lew’s debut, and I have to say I will be watching for more from her! The Wives of Herrick Hall is a sapphic, dark ghost story, and I loved every moment of it! The bottom line: Rich with detail, full of twists and chills, I loved The Wives of Herrick Hall! Next on deck: Frida’s Cook by Florencia Etcheves!
https://literatureobsessed.blogspot.c...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gothic vibes? Yes.
Historical setting? Yes.
Evil old mansion? Yup.
Ghosts? Multiple.
Lesbians? Absolutely.
“The Wives of Herrick Hall” is set in the year 1799 and I’d say that Julie Lew did a great job making the prose really straddle the line between being historically accurate while also remaining accessible enough for modern day readers. I also found the pacing to be really well done, although I could see some other readers finding it a bit slow in parts. I’d argue that the slower portions are necessary to fully set the scene as well as really establish our main cast of characters — so even though the portions of Josephine wandering the halls of the house night after night aren’t the most action-packed moments, they were still important moments that give both her, and thereby the reader as well, insight into the house itself as well as some of the shady characters that reside there. (And don’t worry, the action definitely picks up as the story progresses, so there’s no lack of exciting moments either!)
I’d have to say my only real gripe with this story is simply that there were so many unlikable male characters involved — although this is definitely an intentional choice and not just a symptom of poor characterization. If anything, I’d say the characterization was really quite well done as everyone had their own distinct set of motivations and they managed to stick to them faithfully. (So really, my gripe is probably more so due to the fact that these unlikable men were just a bit too accurate overall…) As far as the women’s characters went, I really did enjoy Josephine from the very beginning while Nora was one that I really couldn’t stand at first, but she ended up growing on me as the story progressed. By the end, I could say I was pleased with Nora’s overall character arc and I definitely could understand her more.
Overall I’d absolutely recommend this book to readers who enjoy gothic horror romances!
(I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher, Quill & Crow Publishing House, via NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.)
Historical setting? Yes.
Evil old mansion? Yup.
Ghosts? Multiple.
Lesbians? Absolutely.
“The Wives of Herrick Hall” is set in the year 1799 and I’d say that Julie Lew did a great job making the prose really straddle the line between being historically accurate while also remaining accessible enough for modern day readers. I also found the pacing to be really well done, although I could see some other readers finding it a bit slow in parts. I’d argue that the slower portions are necessary to fully set the scene as well as really establish our main cast of characters — so even though the portions of Josephine wandering the halls of the house night after night aren’t the most action-packed moments, they were still important moments that give both her, and thereby the reader as well, insight into the house itself as well as some of the shady characters that reside there. (And don’t worry, the action definitely picks up as the story progresses, so there’s no lack of exciting moments either!)
I’d have to say my only real gripe with this story is simply that there were so many unlikable male characters involved — although this is definitely an intentional choice and not just a symptom of poor characterization. If anything, I’d say the characterization was really quite well done as everyone had their own distinct set of motivations and they managed to stick to them faithfully. (So really, my gripe is probably more so due to the fact that these unlikable men were just a bit too accurate overall…) As far as the women’s characters went, I really did enjoy Josephine from the very beginning while Nora was one that I really couldn’t stand at first, but she ended up growing on me as the story progressed. By the end, I could say I was pleased with Nora’s overall character arc and I definitely could understand her more.
Overall I’d absolutely recommend this book to readers who enjoy gothic horror romances!
(I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher, Quill & Crow Publishing House, via NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.)
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May 22, 2026Entire review @JoyfullyJay.com
4⭐️
Herrick Hall is a manifestation of the danger, denigration, and lack of agency in patriarchal ownership. . . Herrick nurtures and weaponizes the men’s disdain into nooses of misogynistic hatred that strangle the wives mentally and physically until their bodies and/or minds succumb. . . Typical of many sapphic gothics I’ve read in the last few years, current day feminist rage is less confident undertone and more bullhorn. . .
Josephine’s intelligence, independent streak, and love of women make accepting society’s norms difficult. Nora is the perfect gothic mistress—a broody, demanding employer whose lovability is seen almost exclusively through the eyes of their besotted employee. Nora is trapped, and her personality is a volatile mix of terror, sorrow, and loneliness. . . I believe that even her love for Josephine partially lies in a sense of power and being possessor, rather than possession. . .
The story is well paced, and the last act is gripping. The characters are static in personality, but Josephine drives the narrative as opposed to being maneuvered by it. The language is a mostly unobtrusive blend of contemporary and historical. Though a few phrases are distracting, like “try your shot,” which is a fraternal twin to “shoot your shot.”
. . . Although it’s common for POV characters in historical gothics to become smitten with subtle looks and small niceties from taciturn employers, the niceties that offset the smarting cruelties inherent in the power imbalance and Nora’s unpleasant disposition are missing. . . her attachment seems birthed from circumstance and desperation. . . However, Josephine carries the weight of it all so stalwartly and passionately that I couldn’t help leaving with an “I don’t see the vision but love that for you” attitude. Besides, she may just like her ladies a little disagreeably dommy.
4⭐️
Herrick Hall is a manifestation of the danger, denigration, and lack of agency in patriarchal ownership. . . Herrick nurtures and weaponizes the men’s disdain into nooses of misogynistic hatred that strangle the wives mentally and physically until their bodies and/or minds succumb. . . Typical of many sapphic gothics I’ve read in the last few years, current day feminist rage is less confident undertone and more bullhorn. . .
Josephine’s intelligence, independent streak, and love of women make accepting society’s norms difficult. Nora is the perfect gothic mistress—a broody, demanding employer whose lovability is seen almost exclusively through the eyes of their besotted employee. Nora is trapped, and her personality is a volatile mix of terror, sorrow, and loneliness. . . I believe that even her love for Josephine partially lies in a sense of power and being possessor, rather than possession. . .
The story is well paced, and the last act is gripping. The characters are static in personality, but Josephine drives the narrative as opposed to being maneuvered by it. The language is a mostly unobtrusive blend of contemporary and historical. Though a few phrases are distracting, like “try your shot,” which is a fraternal twin to “shoot your shot.”
. . . Although it’s common for POV characters in historical gothics to become smitten with subtle looks and small niceties from taciturn employers, the niceties that offset the smarting cruelties inherent in the power imbalance and Nora’s unpleasant disposition are missing. . . her attachment seems birthed from circumstance and desperation. . . However, Josephine carries the weight of it all so stalwartly and passionately that I couldn’t help leaving with an “I don’t see the vision but love that for you” attitude. Besides, she may just like her ladies a little disagreeably dommy.
June 21, 2026
As always, a big thank you to Netgalley and publisher, Quill & Crow Publishing House, to providing me an eARC in exchange for my honest review ~
I'm sorry (I'm not) but there's nothing that I love more than a story with lesbians, ghosts, and a fucked up house that's a metaphor for something. The Wives of Herrick Hall has all three of these things (and more!), so it's absolutely no surprise that I stayed up until 2 am to finish it. I don't recommend this if you have to wake up at 6 am for work, but I definitely recommend you read this book!
After her failure to obtain a husband and "disgracing" her family name—it was already disgraced by her father's gambling—our main character, Josephine Carter, is shipped off to be the companion to mysterious lord's wife after her father loses a bet to him.
She intends on finding a husband so that she'll be able to return to her family home, as that's the only way her father will allow her back, but this is a sapphic, Gothic romance—obviously, she's going to fall in love with the Lady wife.
Listen, I expected our love interest in this story, Lady Honora Blake (Nora) to be charming, if not a little aloof. I'd argue that she IS charming... but I also love when a woman is a unhinged and little mean with it and completely unapologetic. I supported her before I knew about all the other stuff!!
There's so much more to this story that I could pick apart, but a review has nothing on the experience of actually reading the book. Splendid, haunting, suspenseful! I only regretted staying up until 2am little bit.
October 30, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
First of all, the writing is absolutely beautiful--poetic but not obfuscating, descriptive but not overdone, compelling but not tiring. So many times, I highlighted a sentence just because it delighted me to read it. I'm in awe of how this writer crafts their sentences with similes/metaphors that are so vivid and fitting. It doesn't come across as trying too hard when it just makes sense and gives a unique voice to our narrator. It's incredible that this is the author's debut when their style is already so well-developed.
Overall, I enjoyed the main plot. In some ways, it was darker than I expected, which was exciting. In other ways, it was almost hokey, though the sincerity did ultimately shine through. The themes were interesting and well-developed. Although I would have liked to see more of some side characters and less of others, they all served their purpose well. I absolutely adored the first half of this book, giggling and kicking my feet as the romantic relationship developed within these haunted halls. However, much of that charming toxicity that I was so enthralled by fell to the wayside as the characters and plot developed. I felt childishly disappointed by that, but it was probably for the best.
If you enjoy haunted houses, gothic romances, and lesbians, then I think you'll be in for a treat with this one. I'm still in awe that this is the author's debut novel, and I'm so excited to see what she writes next!
First of all, the writing is absolutely beautiful--poetic but not obfuscating, descriptive but not overdone, compelling but not tiring. So many times, I highlighted a sentence just because it delighted me to read it. I'm in awe of how this writer crafts their sentences with similes/metaphors that are so vivid and fitting. It doesn't come across as trying too hard when it just makes sense and gives a unique voice to our narrator. It's incredible that this is the author's debut when their style is already so well-developed.
Overall, I enjoyed the main plot. In some ways, it was darker than I expected, which was exciting. In other ways, it was almost hokey, though the sincerity did ultimately shine through. The themes were interesting and well-developed. Although I would have liked to see more of some side characters and less of others, they all served their purpose well. I absolutely adored the first half of this book, giggling and kicking my feet as the romantic relationship developed within these haunted halls. However, much of that charming toxicity that I was so enthralled by fell to the wayside as the characters and plot developed. I felt childishly disappointed by that, but it was probably for the best.
If you enjoy haunted houses, gothic romances, and lesbians, then I think you'll be in for a treat with this one. I'm still in awe that this is the author's debut novel, and I'm so excited to see what she writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Wives of Herrick Hall is, without question, the most extraordinary sapphic novel I have ever read. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
The love between Josephine and Nora is at once beautiful and shadowed, tender yet ferocious. Their connection unfolds with such intensity that it feels both intimate and consuming. The story itself is utterly riveting, rich with tension, atmosphere, and emotional depth.
What moved me most was the character development. I never imagined I would come to cherish Nora as deeply as I do, yet she completely stole my heart. Watching her evolution was both surprising and profoundly affecting.
This novel pulses with feminine rage and feminine power. It does not shy away from anguish, grief, or suffering; instead, it embraces them, honours them, and transforms them into something fierce and liberating. The emotional journey is breathtaking: the twists and turns, the turmoil and fear, the loathing and longing, the love, the peace, the hard-won freedom. I felt every moment of it.
I struggle to find words that adequately capture how powerful this book is, or how grateful I am to have experienced it. I am already counting down to its release, knowing it will be a gift I press into the hands of many women in my life.
I sincerely hope there will be a special edition, because this story deserves to be displayed in all its glory; its beauty reflected not only within its pages, but on the cover that holds them.
The love between Josephine and Nora is at once beautiful and shadowed, tender yet ferocious. Their connection unfolds with such intensity that it feels both intimate and consuming. The story itself is utterly riveting, rich with tension, atmosphere, and emotional depth.
What moved me most was the character development. I never imagined I would come to cherish Nora as deeply as I do, yet she completely stole my heart. Watching her evolution was both surprising and profoundly affecting.
This novel pulses with feminine rage and feminine power. It does not shy away from anguish, grief, or suffering; instead, it embraces them, honours them, and transforms them into something fierce and liberating. The emotional journey is breathtaking: the twists and turns, the turmoil and fear, the loathing and longing, the love, the peace, the hard-won freedom. I felt every moment of it.
I struggle to find words that adequately capture how powerful this book is, or how grateful I am to have experienced it. I am already counting down to its release, knowing it will be a gift I press into the hands of many women in my life.
I sincerely hope there will be a special edition, because this story deserves to be displayed in all its glory; its beauty reflected not only within its pages, but on the cover that holds them.
May 5, 2026
Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing House and NetGalley for this E-Arc. All opinions are my own!
The Wives of Herrick Hall was a delightful read with turns that i did not see coming! The book is stars of in England in the year 1799. Josephine is a spinster and a scandal has her banished from home to serve another lady as a companion. Her new remote home menacing, and her new lady Nora is intriguing, something isn't quite right. But lurking in the shadows are old hurts and haunts determined to make their voices heard. What can these two women do to survive their gilded cage?
I enjoyed the mixture of suspense and mystery; it really kept me going in the beginning where the world building although necessary- was a little slow to get the ball rolling. As things are revealed and fall into place the biggest horror is really the lack of one's own agency. I think this was explored interestingly through the different characters. Can you trade power and kill your own self? Can you trade freedom for tenuous safety? Can you commit horrors if it means you can stay free? Reading this unfold will lead you to your own answers.
The characters were well done for this story, but we never truly get to see them too fleshed out. That's ok the mystery works for this book, but I truly would like to have understood their relationships better. The real shine of the book is the atmosphere and how it lends to the overall mood of the book.
I think this was a solid read and was satisfied as it solved an itch I had for something mysterious with a sapphic subplot. I recommend!
The Wives of Herrick Hall was a delightful read with turns that i did not see coming! The book is stars of in England in the year 1799. Josephine is a spinster and a scandal has her banished from home to serve another lady as a companion. Her new remote home menacing, and her new lady Nora is intriguing, something isn't quite right. But lurking in the shadows are old hurts and haunts determined to make their voices heard. What can these two women do to survive their gilded cage?
I enjoyed the mixture of suspense and mystery; it really kept me going in the beginning where the world building although necessary- was a little slow to get the ball rolling. As things are revealed and fall into place the biggest horror is really the lack of one's own agency. I think this was explored interestingly through the different characters. Can you trade power and kill your own self? Can you trade freedom for tenuous safety? Can you commit horrors if it means you can stay free? Reading this unfold will lead you to your own answers.
The characters were well done for this story, but we never truly get to see them too fleshed out. That's ok the mystery works for this book, but I truly would like to have understood their relationships better. The real shine of the book is the atmosphere and how it lends to the overall mood of the book.
I think this was a solid read and was satisfied as it solved an itch I had for something mysterious with a sapphic subplot. I recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Wives of Herrick Hall was the sapphic haunted house story I needed. Its atmosphere is eery, mysterious, even oppressive at times, and yet elegant. Everything that is needed to craft a wonderful gothic novel is present, and I loved every moment of it. The growth of the relationship between Josephine and Nora (which is as sweet as it is intense) was also very well done, and although Nora didn't catch my heart at first, she quickly grew on me and by the end I was caring for her very much so.
I only wish we got to delve into the stories of the side characters a bit more, as I'm all for the "what happened here" of things and I feel like those subplots deserved more exploration than they got. I also saw someone say that men in this book were scarier than the ghosts, and I can't think of a better way of putting it. The author does indeed an excellent job at conveying (and critiquing) the position of women of society and the importance of keeping appearances, and the messages are clear while never being heavy-handed.
Overall a fantastic debut. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a powerful gothic sapphic love story with a backdrop of supernatural, and I will be looking forward to Julie Lew's next book that comes out later this year.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for the ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
I only wish we got to delve into the stories of the side characters a bit more, as I'm all for the "what happened here" of things and I feel like those subplots deserved more exploration than they got. I also saw someone say that men in this book were scarier than the ghosts, and I can't think of a better way of putting it. The author does indeed an excellent job at conveying (and critiquing) the position of women of society and the importance of keeping appearances, and the messages are clear while never being heavy-handed.
Overall a fantastic debut. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a powerful gothic sapphic love story with a backdrop of supernatural, and I will be looking forward to Julie Lew's next book that comes out later this year.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for the ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Josephine is different in a world where conformity to the system is expected. This makes her an outcast, and her father sees her as a burden, sending her away to become a companion in order to be rid of her. When she arrives, she is met with resistance and left to fend for herself. With no real alternatives, her desperation to be accepted in her new role becomes painfully clear.
I deeply sympathised with Josephine. Being different is difficult enough, but watching her stand up for herself without any support was heartbreaking. Yet she is a fighter, and seeing her claim her own strength was one of the story’s highlights. Nora, too, is not an easy character to like at first, and I initially disliked her. Gradually understanding that she is also a victim of her circumstances made her transformation compelling. Her unique connection to the manor, tied to former women in similar roles, was a fascinating twist that brought the story together.
This is a story about standing up for yourself, battling inner demons, and the power that comes from women forming bonds. To me, it read more like a tragic love story mixed with mystery than a straightforward horror novel - but it was entertaining nonetheless and kept me fully engaged.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I deeply sympathised with Josephine. Being different is difficult enough, but watching her stand up for herself without any support was heartbreaking. Yet she is a fighter, and seeing her claim her own strength was one of the story’s highlights. Nora, too, is not an easy character to like at first, and I initially disliked her. Gradually understanding that she is also a victim of her circumstances made her transformation compelling. Her unique connection to the manor, tied to former women in similar roles, was a fascinating twist that brought the story together.
This is a story about standing up for yourself, battling inner demons, and the power that comes from women forming bonds. To me, it read more like a tragic love story mixed with mystery than a straightforward horror novel - but it was entertaining nonetheless and kept me fully engaged.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Filled with ghosts, dances, forbidden love, and a very creepy house, THE WIVES OF HERRICK HALL is one of the best debut novels I have ever read. It’s about finding love in the most unexpected of places and accepting yourself in a society that doesn’t acknowledge your existence. I adored Josephine and Nora’s journey from lady and lady’s maid to grudging friendship and, try as they might to deny it, eventual love. Their dynamic is fantastic and their banter kept making me giggle, particularly their nicknames for each other.
HERRICK HALL is perfect for anyone who likes Jane Austen but wishes it were gay. There are many longing glances across ballrooms as well as an excellent kiss in a carriage. The men in this book are even scarier than the ghosts, but that’s just the patriarchy for you, and the novel does an excellent job critiquing the position of women in society without ever being too heavy-handed.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reader copy from Quill & Crow in exchange for an honest review, and I liked it so much that I’ve already preordered my copy so that it can have a place of honor on my shelf where I can visit it again and again. THE WIVES OF HERRICK HALL is an absolute masterpiece, and I can’t wait to see what’s next from the brilliant author!
HERRICK HALL is perfect for anyone who likes Jane Austen but wishes it were gay. There are many longing glances across ballrooms as well as an excellent kiss in a carriage. The men in this book are even scarier than the ghosts, but that’s just the patriarchy for you, and the novel does an excellent job critiquing the position of women in society without ever being too heavy-handed.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reader copy from Quill & Crow in exchange for an honest review, and I liked it so much that I’ve already preordered my copy so that it can have a place of honor on my shelf where I can visit it again and again. THE WIVES OF HERRICK HALL is an absolute masterpiece, and I can’t wait to see what’s next from the brilliant author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Slightly spooky, very touching, and very romantic. It started as a sapphic horror story and ended up as a wild ride. I was intrigued right from the beginning. Why are all these people behaving like this? Why are things in this house so...off? I yearned to know more. Then when I got past the halfway point after the inciting incident, I couldn't stop reading.
I loved Nora and Josephine with all their quirks and eccentricities. Yes, Nora in particular does truly awful things at the start of the novel. It is on you if you are willing to forgive that or not. I have my own interpretation of it that has something to do with the house they are in, but that's as far as I can say without giving spoilers.
I do feel some things were a bit rushed. The final 20% of the book felt like a speeding train. That made it exciting, yes, because so many things happened. But then, I thought TOO many things happened. In quick succession. I thought it needed time to breathe. A character doing cool heroic things won't have too much impact if it happens every 5 pages. Still, I like the way the whole thing ended. I just wish it didn’t feel too rushed.
Despite the pacing issues, I still found it haunting, romantic, and at times, swoon-worthy.
I loved Nora and Josephine with all their quirks and eccentricities. Yes, Nora in particular does truly awful things at the start of the novel. It is on you if you are willing to forgive that or not. I have my own interpretation of it that has something to do with the house they are in, but that's as far as I can say without giving spoilers.
I do feel some things were a bit rushed. The final 20% of the book felt like a speeding train. That made it exciting, yes, because so many things happened. But then, I thought TOO many things happened. In quick succession. I thought it needed time to breathe. A character doing cool heroic things won't have too much impact if it happens every 5 pages. Still, I like the way the whole thing ended. I just wish it didn’t feel too rushed.
Despite the pacing issues, I still found it haunting, romantic, and at times, swoon-worthy.
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