Magdalene Cruthers Is Going To Hell

by Ali Lockhart

For years, Magdalene Cruthers has performed seances for grieving clients, using her ability to communicate with spirits to bring peace to those left behind—well, using her pretend ability to communicate with spirits, anyway (a girl’s got to eat). After tragedy strikes, she and her two cohorts decide to go on the straight and narrow, settling far from their usual grifter haunts.

Theodore Barrow’s life is full of responsibilities: running his family’s butcher shop, keeping his bickering siblings in line, and, most importantly, raising his young daughter. A chance meeting with a fortune teller in a dingy tent wedges its way into his mind—particularly after said fortune teller ends up in his small town of Roslyn, as beautiful and flustered as the first time they met.

Falling in love with Theo and his toddler daughter Emmy is the easy part, but the sanctimonious village pastor, hell-bent on preserving the morality of their small town, has set his sights on Maggie and her family. With her secrets—and hard-won reputation—on the line, she must determine whether to run from the past she's tried so hard to escape, or fight for the future she's found.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 27, 2026

Reviews

[Taylor - TheTayloredPage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you some things that I hate in books:

-Single Dads
-A kid being an important part of a story who is on-page frequently
-A man who is in-touch with his emotions and healthily expresses said emotions (I love a messy hero, what can I say?)
-Two people who immediately like each other 
-Annoying religious zealots getting redemption
-Unrealistic representations of how long it takes to sew historical dresses

This book has all of these things in abundance and I *didn't hate any of it*.  Dare I say I loved it??? This perfect combination of things I usually hate coming together like a half-baked-yet-wildly-successful haberdashery shop?! 

I loved the unique setting of 1890s Minnesota. I loved the repentant spiritualist FMC. I loved that no one in this book was rich or fancy and everyone had jobs and lived a regular life. I loved the grouchy sister most of all.

Thank you to Ali Lockhart for the ARC! It was truly special!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following Ali's book account on Instagram for 3+ years, and she has introduced me to many historical romance authors that I now count as favorites, so not only was it exciting to get an ARC of her first historical romance (which will be published next month!), but also to find out that it is really a wonderful, well-written book that fits right into the section of the genre she loves!
I don't think I've read much historical fiction set in the Midwest, so I enjoyed that aspect, and I liked that Maggie was as jumpy as I am - we easy-scarers are rarely the main characters ;)
I thought the romance was lovely & believable, and I imagine writing children would be very difficult, but a 2 year old is captured very well here!
All in all, I highly recommend, and can't wait to see what the author will do next!

[Sam VanSantvoord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This free review is in exchange for an ARC from the author.

WELL WELL WELL, it seems our favourite reviewer wishes to be the reviewed. How the turntables. Welcome to the twilight zone.

Do you like historical romance? How about American historical romance between a woman who is thrown into starting over (again) and a butcher who has a darling feral child?? Do you also love a cast of characters who all have well developed personalities?THEN THIS IS FOR YOU.

Maggie and her 2 (totally not gay but absolutely gay and in love) brothers decide to go straight (path wise not sexually). They abscond to a small town where they decide to haphazardly open a haberdashery (despite not following the rules of habidashery or even knowing what it is). They also really enjoy suggesting murder for seemingly benign situations.

Many funny and cute shenanigans ensue:
- A baby does baby stuff like scream, receive horsey rides, tries to grab knives and punches people inadvertently.
- People learn how to sew better despite being crabby about it.
- A man falls first (classic manoeuvre).
- 3 people are capable of raising 1 eyebrow and I'm annoyed by it only because I CANT DO IT. I KEEP TRYING THOUGH.

A local Reverend decides to make things difficult for everyone (not just our dynamic three-o) and everyone gets very fucking annoyed. So annoyed that the book club decides to call their dads to come deal with this toe rag. You end up feeling for the toe rag (rude) but you are still offended about his milk habits despite having no ill feelings towards milk in general.

The ending will make you weep perhaps (I teared up and that's a big deal for me if you read any of my reviews you know I'm a stone cold bitch).

Below are some of my usual ARC notes that contain spoilers - you've been warned.
Haha jk I'll put those in once it's been published, I'm not THAT evil.

[Shan · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know who hates reading American historical romance? Me. You know who could convince me otherwise? Theo motherfucking Barrow.

Maggie is a medium in America, a surefire way to be called a witch, and lives with her two brothers who also happen to be banging (don't question it okay it's adorable). Theo is a heartbroken single dad, who's wife died giving birth to the best character in this whole book, Emmy. I'm not saying it's an equal sacrifice Sarah, but also thank you for being plot fodder.

Set in a quaint town somewhere in America (I didn't pay that much attention), Maggie and her brother's go on the spookiest adventure of all ✨domestication✨ The boys say the word 'haberdashery' far too many times, the church is vilainized 🙏🏼, I actually enjoy the character who's a bitch to start with (do better Nesta), and Theo absolutely fucking FAWNS over Maggie 🙂‍↕️

Cutsey lil romance that made me dislike the genre a little less, and that's an achievement 👏🏼

"Everything I have is hers, if she wants."

🥹🥹

[Stephanie Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and cozy book with a lovely found family element. I've been following Ali's reviews for years and was super looking forward to reading her debut novel and it did not disappoint! I normally wouldn't go for a single dad book, honestly - I just don't look to read a book where kids are a large part of the story (it's a me thing, sorry - I don't care for children); however, Emmy basically reads like Jack Jack from the Incredibles so what's not to like?

I really enjoyed how immersive this was. It felt like you were really with Maggie, Bridgers, and Tom on their journey to settle down in the community. Outside of the initial setup to the story, all the characters are just regular folks trying to make a living and live a peaceful life, which was so refreshing for a historical. Ali also did a good job of portraying the fear the "brothers" would have experienced being gay at that time. Their story was honestly the most suspenseful part of the book.

Speaking of which, it takes some serious talent to take a character of a religious leader, who I'll likely mistrust by default (along with nearly everyone else in this book, so I'm in good company), and make me empathize with their story. I've got my eye on you, Sam.

Overall, I am looking forward to the next books in the series! Thank you to the author for the ARC, this one was truly a pleasure.

P.S. - I am here for all the em-dashes 👌

[Persephone Jordano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can be very picky about my romance novels, but this ticked all my boxes. I loathe miscommunication for the sake of plot, so I was overjoyed that it didn't occur! Each of these characters feel incredibly vibrant and distinct and I love the writing style in general.
I was extremely glad to see the widow still love his deceased wife while pursuing a new relationship, without that causing any tension or issues.
I also love Tom and Bridgers, and I love that the community loved them. Is it realistic? I have no idea, but I don't care. Stop hating on the gays just for "historical accuracy". Let them be happy I'm begging you
Lou is my favorite no critiques there
I loved that the plot relied on external factors rather than issues within the relationship (personally I hate the 80% breakup trope) and it made the entire town feel more vibrant and alive, even without our main characters and their ongoing romance. I will say, the resolution of the conflict did seem a little bit silly, and sometimes you should just let a villain be a villain, but also I'm not really complaining.
Overall, this was an incredibly cozy read and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it. The writing style is great, and I genuinely laughed while reading this book. It feels unique in many aspects while still having the comfort of the predictability of a romance novel.

[Merci · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's a con artist pretending to communicate with spirits and he's a widower single dad who comes to her for a reading to contact his dead wife. A real banger of a setup, and I'm glad to say it only gets better from there.

This book has everything: found family, female friendships, 19th century gays, a walking green flag MMC, explicit open door spice, and a distinct lack of miscommunication–all of which I adored.
Maggie is a loveable, if somewhat morally grey, heroine who gets jumpscared approximately fifteen hundred times over the course of the novel. Finally, some real representation for us anxious girlies. Every character feels like a real, complex person. Even the antagonistic village priest was written in such a way that I could not bring myself to hate him, which, given my complicated personal history with organised religion, is a pretty huge deal.

So yeah, I had a great time reading this book, and honestly can't find any fault with it. If you enjoy historical romance with small town, grumpy/sunshine vibes, this one's for you.

[Alicia Musgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly as I expected it… In all the best ways! It was funny, and cute, and tackled hard topics, and it took place is 1889. All the things that you think about when you think of Ali. Watching the journey of her writing this book, deciding to publish, finding an agent, and now having it in my hands has been so fun!

Maggie was so oblivious to things right in front of her (hello Theo) but was so funny. Her antics and the way she loved her people unconditionally was so good. Her journey to finding a life she deserved and loved was heartwarming. I honestly felt like her friendship with Lou was more fun to see than her relationship with Theo (but we love Theo, don’t get me wrong!)

Theo was so observant and saw Maggie for exactly who she was from the beginning and loved her regardless. Even though he could definitely work on communicating this 😅 I loved how accepting he was about everyone.

I want more stories from this group! Especially this elusive story of how Maggie, Tom, and Bridgers.

[Jenny Dvorak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author

This is my first ARC and wow it did not disappoint. I've been following Ali's reviews for years - she's the one who got me into Historical Romance in the first place, so to say I'm excited about this book is an understatement.

Maggie is a con-artist, who pretends to commune with the dead. Theo is a widower and father, who owns a butcher shop with his siblings. They meet by chance in Madison, and when Maggie and her "brothers" decide it's time to finally settle down and make something for themselves, they end up in the same town as our butcher.

This book had romance, female-friendships, healthy communication, found-family elements, underground/illegal boxing, 19th century gays, an annoyingly spiteful pastor with a redemption arc that you empathize with(?!?!?!), and the best banter.

I want to be critical, but I really found no fault with this book. It was so easy to settle into, the writing and characters well down with realistic growth. I'm very excited for the next books in this series, and reading this arc was so special! Thank you Ali!

[Ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ebook as an advanced ready copy from the author. I have no conflicts of interest.

I really enjoyed this read. It was exactly what I needed - interesting, well written and just easy/enjoyable. It made me feel cozy. In a time where I get regularly duped by booktok stories that end up being very poorly written, have crazy plot holes, or excessive and unrealistic story lines, this story felt so normal and relatable, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. There was yearning but nothing too overwrought, no excessive drama and the story flowed so well I finished it wanting more! It felt like there could be more, so I’m looking forward to the next books, but the characters were well developed, with growth that again, was realistic. The author is a favorite of mine in terms of her reviews, turns out she can put out a really good story herself.

Would absolutely recommend!

[Olivia Wiebolt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ali has written a book that is SO her, I don’t know how else to describe it! I’ve gotten a taste of Ali’s writing style via her Goodreads reviews and the way that she wrote her novel is no different. She uses beautiful descriptive language and has written both lovable and truly unlikable characters within this book!

Maggie Cruthers is the definition of a little prickly on the outside and soft on the inside. Theo Barrow is the mushiest little mush ball angel single dad you ever did see! I know they were obviously the stars of the show, but I found myself craving more of the side characters! I’m hoping we get to see more of Bridgers and Tom in the future 👀 I also needed more Laura and David and I LOVE Lou. I craved slightly more of Maggie’s female friendships.

Overall a great debut novel from Ali Lockhart! I look forward to more from her in the future.

[Kel Nigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was delightful to read a historical romance not set in England, while I love those stories too this one was a welcome change from the usual.

Theo is the most patient man in the world, who sees right through Maggie in the best way possible. Maggie is the jumpiest person, and I laughed at how often she was jump-scared by people simply walking into the room.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the romance was sweet and beautifully built, the sibling relationships were so relatable ( sometimes you just have to be there for them even when they are making themselves difficult to be around), and I’m looking forward to visiting Roslyn again in the future.

Thank you Ali for the ARC, I hope others enjoy this book as much as I did!

[Marie Chudožilov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I probably would never have come across this book if I weren’t following Ali’s reviews (and having great fun with them) for years. I am not much of a romance reader so I was not sure what to expect, so I went into this book blindfolded.
The feeling I got was something like reading Legends and Lattes: it was cozy and although I usually prefer fantasy, the fantasy was maybe in how welcoming the town of Roslyn was and how everyone somehow had the ability to crack a joke.
I wanted to give 4 stars, but then I realized it’s just that romances are not really my thing and there is nothing wrong with this book. I had fun; I was calmed down; I can go to sleep and dream about a world that is really the town of Roslyn; sweet dreams!

(Thank you, Ali, for the ARC, I had fun!)

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magdalene Cruthers is considerably nicer than I thought she would be and certainly not going to hell. This is a completely delightful and surprisingly gentle book. Maggie is a very pleasant sweet lady who only does a tiny bit of fake clairvoyancing at the start of the book. Honestly, I could have done with a touch more psychic, con-artist roguish shenanigans. For most of the book she drinks wine with her friends, launches a sewing business with her found family, eats plenty of meat and gets railed by a hot widower. She's living a dream life. The plot is gentle, the baddie is a wet sock, the spice is goooood. Easy recommendation.

[Alice Fredine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy received from the author.

4 stars in my system = would mostly recommend! Highly recommend to romance and cozy fans. If you don’t like romances, probably not for you, although this avoids the worst parts of many romances.

This is incredibly sweet and cozy. Why did I expect it to not be cozy?

All the people felt like whole humans! There was no contrived reason for our couple not to get together! Was it entirely historically accurate? I doubt it, but also maybe - I don’t know anything about historical Minnesota. But historical fiction is for accuracy and historical romance is for vibes. Will look forward to the next books in the series.

[Ashley Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever read any of Ali's instagram posts or goodreads reviews, you'll know that she's an excellent writer, and incredibly funny. This book is no different.

I loved everything about this book. The characters were amazing, dimensional, and loveable. (Especially Lou.) The relationships between the characters and their love for each other was so genuine and heartfelt.

It doesn't happen often, but this is one of those books where you don't want it to end. I definitely slowed down in the last ten percent, just trying to savor it.

Ali has assured me that she is ready to write 896 more books for us, and I plan to hold her to that.

[Alanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well-written and the characters are really well developed. It has a comfortable, slice of life kind of feel that I like in historical romance.

It's very sweet and didn't have the common historical descriptions of the man being SO MANLY in his stuffy historical clothes or kilt or whatever- he was just a regular guy. Because it wasn't boldly hinting at a steamy future scene I was worried the spice was going to be bland or boring but it was DEFINITELY NOT.

With characters this enjoyable, a nice historical backdrop, good spice and romance, AND no silly contrived plot points, how could it not be 5 stars.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and cozy read! I've loved Ali's hilarious book reviews for years and am so pleased to have received an advanced copy of her very first book. The characters are lovable, diverse, and well-developed. The MMC and FMC's romance unfolded at the perfect speed and the length of the book was most agreeable. Was it completely historically accurate? No, probably not, but this is a fictional, feel-good story, and the author did leave some notes at the end about it. I can't wait to see what Ali comes up with next!

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first ARC and I was very pleased to have my first time be with such a sweet and wholesome book. This was an easy, straight forward romance that I happily devoured. I appreciated the richness of the characters and all the family dynamics that read very true to life. I was most impressed with the impeccable use of a child in this book. Normally, I hate the inclusion of a child but Ali totally nailed it. The kid was there but not too much and not annoying in any way- authors should take note!

[Heather Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

I signed up for the Advanced Reader Copy because I enjoy the author’s book reviews. Happy to report that I also enjoy her writing!

There were some things that required I actively suspend disbelief/not question. Mostly things like, the kinds of swear words that were used in the 1880’s, or… is it realistic for a town to be so open minded and friendly? Probably not, but it’s fun to pretend. 😅

Love the idea of a lady’s book club meeting on Sundays to drink wine without ever actually having read the book 150 years ago. ✨just girlie things✨

[Sarah Pagano]

This book is like being wrapped in the comfiest found family blanket!!!!

The characters are so well written and full of depth. You grow with them as you learn more about them. I have a favorite brother (hi Theo!! 💕) but favorite sister/sister-in-law? I refuse to choose and you cannot make me DEAL WITH ITTTT (talk to the wall, or maybe the ghosts? IDC)

Maybe I’m biased and love all authors named Ali (Hazelwood, Lockhart)?

10/10 recommend. My heart is so happy to have met this book.

[Lucy Wagstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced reader copy from the author

I randomly signed up for this ARC because I enjoy what this author posts on Insta and surprisingly got the ARC! I immediately started it and couldn’t put it down. It was a very cozy romance imo, the town of Roslyn’s characters are definitely a warm hug. The writing is smart and funny and I think the audiobook will be a fun one to listen to. Really hoping there are more stories for these characters (some particular siblings) to come!

[Nathalie Badger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from author.

Little bit nervous to start this one as I am a longtime fan of Ali’s reviews, but not usually one for historical romances. Pleased to say, this was the literary equivalent of sinking into a hot bath. The story felt very sweet, full of hope and optimism while also acknowledging the darker, sadder aspects of life. I raced through it and will be happily looking out for the next one in the series :)

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from the author.


I thoroughly enjoyed this. The writing is light and fun. I kind of wish we had gotten to linger in Maggie's séance era a bit longer just so we had a more developed connection to the past she wants to hide. The side characters felt well-developed. I could have used a ~little bit~ more drama but that's not necessarily what the story was going for, just a personal preference. All hail Theo and his dirty talk.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately and this book brought me out of it within just a few chapters. Some parts were funny, others were full of yearning, and the whole thing was thoroughly enjoyable. I really loved the female relationships in this book, full of women supporting women and having each other’s backs. Lou, frosty yet fiercely loyal was a definite favorite of mine, and of course Tom and Bridgers stole my heart.

[Meraki Komorebi]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I want to thank the author for providing me with an ARC.
It was sweet. The found family, the setting, inclusion of LGBTQIA+, and of course the zealots who will do anything to achieve their goals. The author did a really good job of compiling it all and writing a such a good book.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

*proper review soon*

This was the first Arc, I ever received and I wasn't disappointed!!

This was so heartwarming and funny, while tackling difficult topics! I loved that romance and friendship had similiar importance, Lou x Maggie & the bookclub have man heart🙌🏻 Please give me 5 more of them, Ali!

[Ashybugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING debut novel! I stayed up late reading it, I highlighted multiple passages, it was funny and sweet and sexy. I really liked a historical romance that was also “modern” in a way and set in America, I’m not a typical fan of England periods. Thank you to the author for the ARC and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delight. So many things made me go 🥹 the found family, Emmy, every time Theo was on page, Maggie’s constant crying when she’s overwhelmed by love - all of it. The pacing was perhaps a bit slow, but well written with good bones. Can’t wait to read more from her!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am crumbling under the pressure of writing a review for the genius who gave us “An illiterate 19 year old straight up kills a guy and is outraged when there are consequences” but I will try!

Ali if you see this please know I laughed, I cried, I was turned on. I can’t wait to go back to Roslyn.