My Enemy's Tears: The Witch of Northampton

by Karen Vorbeck Williams

She was real. She was rich and beautiful. She was tried as a witch in 1675--and survived.

Based on the lives of Mary Bliss Parsons and Sarah Lyman Bridgeman, My Enemy's The Witch of Northampton , takes us back to life in the Puritan settlements along the Connectict River, a terrifying wilderness full of warring natives, natural wonders and disasters--portents of God's anger or a witch's meddling curse.

Mary and Sarah grow up amid Puritan superstition and piety, busy with their household chores, one imagining a life different from her mother's and the other eager to marry and bear sons. They spend their married lives in the villages of Springfield and Northampton, where a youthful disagreement festers into a reason to hate and then to fear. As the years pass, one accuses the other of murder by witchcraft, prompting a trial before the Court of Assistants in Boston--17 years before the infamous Salem Witch Trials.

This fictional account of a true story describes two lives in conflict--one cursed and one blessed--and the transcendent power of forgiveness.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Witches

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

I began writing as a girl--short stories, poems, and little essays on my beliefs. As a wife and mother I was so busy I had to write poems--they were short.

In the 70s, when our family moved to seven acres of land in Southeastern Massachusetts, into a farmhouse built in 1710, I wanted to learn more about how the people who first settled the land actually lived. As we restored the old rooms and removed the paint from the wide pine board floors, I realized that our house had been built before my 11th great grandmother Mary Bliss Parsons (1625?-1712) had died. She had lived in Northampton, MA, probably in a house quite similar to ours. It was there that she was accused of witchcraft. Northampton was about a two hour drive from us. Gradually I began to research her life and found an amazing story. The result was the historical novel "My Enemy's Tears: The Witch of Northampton."

My second book "The House on Seventh Street" was inspired by the Nancy Drew Mysteries I loved as a girl. The book is set in the town where I was born and is based on a number of memories from my youth as well as family stories and myths. I was writing fiction which gave me the liberty to exaggerate these stories and tell whopping lies if that would improve the plot or deepen the characters' motivations.

On the personal side, I am a widow and grandmother, an avid amateur photographer, and master gardener. At the moment I'm working on my third novel--again historical fiction set in 17th century New England--and a book of short stories.

Learn more at: https://www.karenvorbeckwilliams.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/karenvorbeck...

Reviews

[Karen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of my 11th great grandmother's life. Mary Bliss Parsons was accused of witchcraft in 1675 at Northampton, MA. She was indicted in Boston and thrown into jail where she remained until her trial--about 3 months later. It is also a story about a deadly case of jealousy and the struggle to survive the New World wilderness. I worked on this book on and off for many years while raising children and working. It wasn't until I was in my seventies that I had time to finish it. It was first published in 2011 and has been enjoyed by many readers.

A second edition is in the works right now. It will be published by Booktrope.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very detailed piece of historical fiction. It was quite extraordinary. I loved learning about a time and place that I previously knew very little about - European settlers to the NE USA in the 1600's.

Many issues, including differences with the new sovereign, led families of substance to gamble what they had and go to America with a better, new life in mind (common story). But these folks found a life that was much harder than they had experienced before; many had only ever experienced wealth and comfort. Weather, physical labour, and hunger were only a few of the hardships they faced. But perhaps the most frightening came not from the environment, but from their fellow man, the people that they were supposed to band together with to support each other.

These communities of people appointed leaders and created their own societal rules and laws, and quite often they were for the good of society. But, sadly, human nature can turn dark when one seeks answers and can't find them. The Witch Trials were a testament to the darkness of the human spirit, in otherwise good and kind people, when it allows fear to overtake sound judgement.

I give this book 4.5 stars but will round it up since I can't select a half star. I did feel it dragged a little too long for me in the middle. Personally, I felt it could be tightened up a bit. Every once in a while you read a book you could see as a movie and this is one of those for me.

[Kristen Cochrane]

Karen Vorbeck Williams will be an author to remember! Her premier novel, "My Enemy's Tears, The Witch of Northampton" is spellbinding. Her years of research provide a rich background to this page-turning novel about the life of Mary Bliss Parsons, a young woman taken from her England roots, and transported to New England in the 1600's.

The character development in this novel is clear. Each one comes alive in a way that makes their importance and influence on the story easily understood by the reader. They are interesting, and support the story well.

Sarah Bridgeman is a weak, almost pathetic woman, who in an attempt to discredit Mary Bliss Parsons, only succeeds in discrediting herself. This lesson has great bearing even today. It is more than interesting to read this book, and realize at that place and time in history, Sarah's words gravely threatened Mary's life.

Mary Bliss Parsons, a woman of strength, and character, learns her own lessons about trust and caring. Her husband, Joseph, despite providing some stress in her life, surely provides much more than material wealth for Mary and his family. He is a pillar of strength for her, and lends depth and interest in the varied situations he and Mary face together.

Most of all, I am a lover of historical novels, mainly about the American West. This has moved my interests further in history, to a time and place very different than my reading "comfort zone." It encouraged me out of that zone, and not only did I thoroughly enjoy this story, but thanks to Ms. Williams depth of knowledge, and extensive research, I learned about a time in our country that I did not remember learning in history class.

I can recommend this book to not only those who love historical novels, but anyone who enjoys a very readable, captivating story of human strength and perseverance. Ms. Williams has brought a wonderful addition to our bookshelves and our lives.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book from the library because my friend's mother wrote it. It is historical fiction about a few families who moved to New England in the 1600's. It is really well written, and I loved the story line. The characters are interesting and she really set a base for the story so that you could understand the greater picture of what it was like to live during that time period and in those conditions. I loved that it was historical fiction, it makes seem very realistic and you can appreciate the story a little more. The story is basically about a couple of women who's lives are interchanged and how one becomes accused of witchcraft. You should read it!

[Jolinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book if you like historical fiction. I especially like it because it is based on the life of my 8Xs great grandmother, Mary Bliss Parsons, and 8Xs great grandfather, Joseph Parsons who immigrated to New England in the mid 1600s. Thank you author, Karen Vorbeck Williams, (also a direct descendant of the Parsons) for really making them come to life for me.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

An All Too Familiar Story This is the story of Mary Bliss Parsons, a young girl who moved from England to Massachusetts with her family in the early part of the 17th. century. The book is based on true events in the author's family history and follows an all-too familiar pattern of life as an outsider in a puritan society. Mary Bliss starts life as a servant girl but marries an ambitious man who works hard to become rich. He enjoys spending his wealth on his wife and family. The couple are fortunate that 'only' 2 of their many children die but this charmed life has its price - the jealousy of their neighbours. This jealousy turns to cries of witchcraft when her neighbours look for someone to blame for their misfortune. However, unlike so many of the trials for witchcraft at the time, Mary is so fortunate as to be found innocent. A really good read. 

[Paul Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very interesting and I could have listened to the narrator talk forever
I just can’t imagine living like this. Life in the 1600’s certainly was harrowing

[Joy Weiler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would not recommend. The story was flat, the character development poor with wild switching of narration to various characters with no rhyme or reason. The odd attempts at making it read like a romance novel at places was also strange and did not blend in well to the story.

[Jeanne Selander Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author at The New England Book Festival. This is a captivating story that transports the reader to another place and time, as all well written fiction should. I was completely engaged with the characters and the story line. I was reading this book in noisy busy airports and on a trans-Atlantic flight. I was reading when I should have been sleeping. It's a page turner. I wanted to know how these grave injustices would be rectified, and still I was sorry to have the story end. All the signs of a well crafted book. Bravo!

[Terri Wangard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This sounded like such an interesting story, and it was, at times. I gave up reading it at one point before deciding to give it another chance.

It starts with Mary’s early years in England. Her father moves the family to America, but never achieved the success he dreamed of. Her parents put Mary into service in hopes of mending her wicked ways. She was a free spirit who didn’t want a life like her mother’s, but that’s what she got.

So many people came to America in search of religious freedom, but found such intolerance. The treatment of the Indians is also hard to read.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched local history. She filled in the documentation with an engaging story that felt believable. Surprised at just how much I liked this. I was expecting something dryer.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Enemy’s Tears: Karen Vorbeck Wiliams
Mary Bliss was an inquisitive young child who loved to explore the land, learn about her environment and wanted to view the nine maidens dancing in a circle. Mary spent much of her time working on the farm, helping her mother and hoping that her father would rebuild their lives after moving. Finding that they could no longer live in England and having to pay huge tariffs to the King, her father decided to uproot his family moving them to America. But, not everything turns out the right way and when first moving to Boston his wealth and savings diminished and once again he needed to move but this time to Connecticut. Filled with much imagination and wanting to believe what the unorthodox nurse told her she crept out one night just to see if she could witness the nine maidens and what she sees was something that would frighten most children.
Mary Bliss is a strong- minded young child who knows what she wants and deeply cares for her family. It takes place in the 17th century when those whose religious beliefs are different and customs not matching others you often wind up ostracized or an outcast. Growing up in New England after being transplanted there Mary learns much about prejudice, hate and about people whose religious beliefs take precedence over everything else and who refuse to allow anyone to deviate. An outstanding historical novel whose author researched the time period and the author describes the hardships and the religious difficulties of the time period when those that went against the King had to leave. Strict religious rules, good hygiene not adhered it and the punishments for nonconformity great.

The author allows the reader to learn more about Thomas Bliss reasons he chose to come to Connecticut, Thomas Hooker and his religious beliefs and even more how this life and move affected his family. Mary seems to be the most vocal of his children wanting to escape her life, helping wherever she can but resenting it all. Margaret, his wife, walked with a heavy heart and seemed burdened. Thomas seemed optimistic and hoped that this new place with its great land filled with trees would yield him more than where they came from. But, this story has yet to really begin as we have much to learn about Mary and where life takes her. The author then relates the history behind the relationship of the English and the Indians, the many battles fought and we need Tom Bliss and Joseph Parsons two young men who go off to battle, learn much about the Indians, their commanders and hopefully will survive in the end. Learning about harsh treatment of the Indians and their view of the English will enlighten many readers as to what they endured at the hands of many as the English and others did too.

The background information takes a while to set in before we get to the main story about Mary and Sarah. We learn more about her personality, her difficulties with dealing with her life, her parents and their set ways as well as her secret friendship with Goody Crespet. We learn about Mr. Hooker and his religious beliefs and that place in the stockade for defying the rules. The author with a quote introduces every chapter or information related to someone from the time period, a pastor, someone in the military or even the Governor. Hearing the thoughts and words of those that lived during that time period helps bring the era to life even more. Frontier life and living during these times created much strain on young Mary. Wanting to learn more about the Indians and even seeing a dead person seemed to fascinate her. This is a time when most were caught up in religion and thought about Satan and the evils that could befall someone if they did not adhere to their ways.

But the heart of the tale lies in the telling psychological portraits of the two women and their very different responses to the vicissitudes of their existence. In a fascinating afterward, Williams explains that her heroine is actually an ancestor of hers; how, as a child, she was fascinated by the story of how her relative had "triumphed" over false accusations of neighbors. In researching the book, Williams discovered a more complicated and less triumphal life, but one, which will not easily be forgotten once, read. Then Mary meets Sarah Lyman since she is going to be staying as the maid. Sarah seemed docile and not able to cope with weeding, planting or the chores that most young girls were required to do. Mary is a strong woman, young girl and learns the true meaning of trust. But, working for Mrs. Lyman was more than even Mary could bare and pleading with her mother did not work. Teaching Sarah how to work in the garden, spinning and helping did not last long as Sarah wanted Mary to do her work too. Listening to Sarah she learned more about her family, her heritage and their importance. Where Sarah’s family was greeted with a huge fanfare you might say upon arrival the Bliss family was not. The many differences are sited and seem to take its toll on Mary. Mary is self centered and selfish to a fault at times but so is Robert Lyman, Sarah’s brother.

The dissension begins between Mary and Sarah when Sarah’s father takes ill, the doctor fails in his treatment and he asks for Goody Crespet. Deemed a witch and thinking Mary has been deceived Sarah feels that the Devil follows her where she goes. But, what happens next and the end result is not what you expect as Mary gets her way due to Sarah’s weakness and the end result is tragic. As a result the Lyman children were moved to live with other relatives and their home locked and secured until sold. Returning from war Joseph Parsons got to know Mary quite well. Serving the Lyman family for three years blaming Mary for their separation.

The fear of witchcraft, the Devil and the war hangs over these people in Northampton. Prejudice, hate, deceit, lies and two women right in the core of things. Mary who understands the healing of herbal medicines and some people with birthmarks branded as witches. But, in 1646 she marries Joseph Parson and moves to Springfield. He is a successful merchant and now she would no longer have to struggle. But first the unthinkable happens and Goody is branded a witch and hung. The author shares Mary and Joseph’s courtship and her reservations due to her father’s troubles. Talking with her mother about conceiving, dealing with the rituals of marriage Mary then marries Joseph.

The story shifts back and forth between Sarah and Mary. Jealous of her that she had more than she did, even though at one time her maid, her time to give birth again near but something happens and things change. Thinking marriage would fulfill her it did not. While Mary was having her first child Sarah lost hers. Part two deals with the many different women, their relationships, their lives, births and deaths. Some were even questioned about their child’s death as were the Pierces said to have been involved in witchcraft. Life changed for Mary after the death of her son Benjamin. On the anniversary of his death she was once again pregnant. But, Mary has her own fears and her own demons surface causing Joseph to take drastic measures.
Sarah and Mary from two different Puritan families lived in the same community yet the jealously that Sarah felt for Mary ignited the superstition to follow as Mary was accused of being a witch and went on trial for her life. With her husband with the Indians another man seemingly pining for her with the help of her family she seemed to manage. Sarah’s loss of her children and watching Mary’s family flourish did much to ignite her hate for her. Trials were held, executions too as the author takes the reader deep inside the minds of the accusers and the end result.

As Sarah accuses Mary of being a witch and others reported her at meetings and thinking she was possessed by the Devil. Mary was acquitted and Sarah told to proclaim in public that she was liar but she did not because she was ill. These people even determined what women should or should not wear and what materials are forbidden.

But, Joseph did the ultimate betrayal to Mary and then fought with another man named Bartlett. Goody Bridgman and Goody Branch turned on her accusing her of being a witch. Depositions written, family secrets bared, one woman faces death. The end result you have to read for yourself, what happens to the Bridgeman’s 11 year old son you won’t believe and I researched the time period and here are Sarah’s words: "I [Sarah] being brought to bed, about three days after as I was sitting up, having the child in my lap, there was something that gave a great blow on the door. And that very instant, as I apprehended, my child changed. And I thought with myself and told my girl that I was afraid my child would die...Presently... I looking towards the door, through a hole...I saw...two women pass by the door, with white clothes on their heads; then I concluded my child would die indeed. And I sent my girl out to see who they were, but she could see nobody, and this made me think there is wickedness in the place."

Part three is most compelling as it is the trial of Mary Bliss and the final outcome is told. The magistrates conducted their hearings and the depositions were given and studies. Mary Parsons went in person, as did Samuel Bartlett. Mary spoke for herself and the author allows us to hear her own words. The final jurisdiction belonged to the Court of Assistants in Boston. The end result will definitely surprise the reader and what she had to endure would hopefully clear her name. But the documents were gathered and never disclosed. Just why did her son Joseph speak against her? When the case moved to a close the Court of Assistants indicted her and put her in prison until the trial. But, with the cruelty of her jailer she did not back down and the respect she warranted proved that Mary Bliss was a force that no one should reckon with and pleaded not guilty. How did they find her you will have to learn for yourself? Just why did they accuse her? Was it hate, prejudice, jealousy or just plain narrow-minded people or staunch believers in their own way and nothing else? A trial so devastating and verdict and ending you will have to read for yourself as the author brilliantly takes us back to a time when so many were hung, killed and accused of being witches and one woman named Mary Bliss would never give up but stood tall. Was she ever cleared? Read My Enemy’s Tears and Find out.

Fran Lewis: reviewer

[Katherine Basto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading historical fiction of New England and Old England, especially those pertaining to witches and witchcraft trials. This book did not disappoint. I was extremely impressed with the well-researched and well-written style of the story, giving the reader a glimpse into the early colonial times along the Connecticut River Valley, rift with Indians, fur-traders, settlers and their families. The whole book felt extremely authentic.
Karen Williams, a descendant of Mary Bliss Parsons does a fabulous job at bringing her main character to life, one who experiences strange fits and night walking....but eventually becomes the envy of her neighbors.
Mary Bliss's story begins in England as a young girl. Her family emigrates to Boston and then joins the Reverend Thomas Hooker's party to remove to Hartford. Early Hartford is brought to life, and then once married, Mary moves to Springfield and then Northampton. I loved the way Ms. Williams brings to life the details and history of 1600s life along the river; her writing really makes one feel as if they were there. She seemed to get many of the facts correct, and had to use historical imagination with other incidents.
There is some backstory of both the Pequot War of 1636 and King Philip's War years later up north; the subject matter interests me; I'm not certain if everyone would feel the same way.
I really favored the first two-thirds of the book; the characters came to life on the page and the story had a forward momentum. Lots of lush, historical and sensory details really rounded off the imagery and the characters, especially Goody Crespet and Joseph Parsons were well done.
The last third dragged a bit for me. This, in my opinion, was the time to get to the climax and denouement rather than more detailed descriptions, historical context, and dialogue that just left the story lingering on.
Another thought is that it would have been helpful to have the date at the beginning of each chapter, when appropriate, because at times I felt a bit lost and confused as to when exactly this was happening. Although the quotes at the beginning of each chapter were interesting enough, a lot of the time they were distractions that I skipped over, as they were from other time periods. It might have helped also to have a short bibliography in the back. I did appreciate the author's note.
Overall, this was an extremely well-written story, thoroughly researched historical novel, and brings to life the small burgeoning communities along the Connecticut River that accused women of witchcraft based on their differences, envy, and a superstition of the unexplained, in a very unforgiving landscape. Well done!

[Becki Basley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Enemys tears : the witch of Northhampton by Karen Vorbecki Williams
(Audiobook read on Everand app)

Every time i read a story about New England back in the time of the puritans, i Think if how life in a small town must have been at times a pain in the Butt.

A time when you had to care about the neighbors were saying about you, how you interacted with others, who you took into confidence, and even what you did or how and where you did it. If you were a little different, insulted the wrong neighbor or managed to miss one too many meeting days, you could very Well be accussed of and hanged as a witch ( or in Giles Coreys case presses to death) .

This story is a prime case of a person’s overwheming jealousy and vindictive Nature sorely hurting her neighbor and one time Friend. Except in this case, it might not completely work.

This story also made me think of the people who were ultimately let go from the prison and punishment and free to go home. They had to have many deep psychological wounds as Well as physical illness. Was life ever the same for Them again. Did the town people always treat Them differently and/or did they avoid people for fear they would be accused again inadverently causing suspicion because they were loners.

[M.M. Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up. Mary Bliss Parsons, the witch of Northampton, is my 10th Great Grandmother on my father's side, making her husband, Coronet Joseph, my 10th Great Grandfather. I am descended through their oldest son, Joseph. Funny coincidence....Coronet Joseph's brother, Benjamin, is my 8th Great Grandfather on my mother's side. So, I guess Mary Parsons is both my Great Grandmother and my Great Aunt. Put all that aside, though, because I found this book to be very interesting and well researched. The narration was very well done. I've had this book on my TBR list for quite some time, and I am glad that I finally read it.....especially since it brought me directly into the lives of my very own ancestors....on both sides!

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Enemy’s Tears: The Witch of Northampton by Karen Vorbeck Williams

451. Pages
Publisher: Fawkes Press
Release Date: October 21, 2016

Nonfiction (Adult), History, Witchcraft

Mary was born in England with several of her siblings. Her father decided to move the family. To Boston. After a failed crop, he moved them to Connecticut. There, Mary met a midwife, also named Mary. She began working for a family to keep her out of trouble. She later married and has children.

This was difficult to read with old English style. It was extremely long and had a slow pace. The characters were developed, and it was written in the third person point of view as a historical text.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written and researched fictional account of a pre-Salem witch trials accusation of witch craft, written by a descendent of the accused. I enjoyed the details that transported me to the time period, like the whisk being made of twigs, or the laying out of baby clothes before a fire to warm them up.

However, bc this was based on a real account, it felt like it dragged on. In this way it reminded me of The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory, where the story is hampered by the necessity of listing all the facts like a Wikipedia article (though this is not done to the extent of Gregory).

Overall, a good read as an audio book, just listen on 1.8x speed.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story. It gave a lot of insight into the daily lives of the first settlers in what is now New England and the early belief in spell, witchcraft and the witch trials. The ease with which someone could be accused of ridiculous crimes and the near impossibility of defending yourself against those accusations makes me glad I live in the current age.

[shirley sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story!

I was captivated by this historically based story, and even more so to find out it was based on true family history. Mary Parsons was a believer, who remained good and true to herself in the harshest of circumstances, idle gossip. I highly recommend this book and hope the author writes another tale.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this audiobook and had a hard time stopping to go to sleep. I was afraid the 17th century language might be annoying, but I liked it. The reader was awesome.
The storyline was great, and I learned a few things about our ancestors. Very good read.

[Toni L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was just so so. Confusing at times
but as I further got along in the book
it got better. This is one that I will have
to reread to get more out of it.

[PsychDoctor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very very slow. The back story was important, but no one needs this much back story to get the point of the actual accusations and trial. The book felt endless at times, and not in a good way.

[Lori Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written book especially interesting to those of us who are descended from Joseph and Mary. I couldn't put it down. Thank you.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start, but worth the read once it got going.

[Betty Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting historical novel about a subculture we know little about: colonial New England. The author is faithful to the traditions and environmental challenges of the English immigrants.

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and detailed book with fictionalized elements of true history.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and well researched, this book is equal parts history lesson and family drama. Based on a true story and set in Puritan New England circa mid 1600's, we're introduced to Mary Bliss as she and her family flee religious prosecution in England. Growing up in the New World is a harsh reality for Mary. This was a harsh time period all around. If I could travel back in time, this century would be far, far down on my list of times to visit. Religion is at the heart of these hard times creating poor living conditions (bathing is frowned upon), strict rules (especially for women) and harsh consequences.

We see Mary transform from child to young woman. Sent to serve in a more prominent household by her parents who view her as willful and outspoken, she befriends the young mistress of the house, Sarah. Eventually, circumstances make it impossible for Mary to remain in service and the girls part with Sarah blaming Mary for their parting.

Mary and Sarah's adult lives are lived throughout the pages that follow. We are privy to marriages, alliances, many births and deaths. There's plenty here to keep the drama going. Sex, lies, jealously and hatred run wild through Northampton. There's plenty of action as Indians are an ever increasing threat and wars loom.

At the core of this story are women who gossip away the unexplained and accuse those they don't like at the time. Fear of witches and the Devil work to weave doubt about even the most upstanding citizens. Women, and even some men, who deal in herbal remedies or have birthmarks are prime suspects of witchcraft.

I appreciate that the author used wording of the time but was careful not to make so much use of it that it made the book hard to read. The backdrop was so well thought out and the descriptives really put the town into focus.

I was delighted with this gem and would like to thank the author and PR by the Book for providing me with a copy to review. Hopefully, this author has other interesting ancestors that we can look forward to reading about!

[Lenore Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a friend who lives up north. Way north. Farther than that even. Way up there. Okay, I give her heck about moving from Texas to live in Maine. But she is happy up there.

Well Halloween is almost here and every year she travels to Salem for the holiday. She loves learning more every year about the witch trials. Well I have a book to send her. It is not the Salem witch trails but better yet. It is from the history of Karen Vorbechk Williams family tree. My Enemy's Tears: The Witch of Northampton is based on the historical record of Karen's 11th great-grandmother Mary Bliss Parsons and Mary's arch enemy Sarah Lyman Bridgeman. Their lives trace the journey of not only the English Separatists to the New World and the growth of the first settlements along the Connecticut River from Hartford and Springfield to Northampton, but the lives of women in 17th century New England as well.

I had this book sent to me from PR by the Book out of Austin Texas. Love working with local companies. And JD took off with it before I had a chance to read it. Finally I have it back after getting her apartment all set up. Since then it has been my night time reading companion. This was not a fluff piece (thank goodness) but a really life telling story. Going through the life of Mary Bliss Parsons and gave me great insight as to what daily life was like in the 17th century. Also it was interesting to read how the smallest of things could get you accused of witch craft. Mostly other peoples envy and pride.

I think that now that I have finished reading Karen's book I am going to mail it to my friend. I think she will find it a great read and knowledgeable too.

[Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Williams’ debut novel, ‘My Enemy’s Tears’ easily transports the reader to another place and time. The research which has gone into this tale of tragedy, sacrifice, betrayal, and perseverance is immense and Ms. Williams has laid out the life and fate of one of her own ancestors for the world to read. The characters, their morals, values, and prejudices are all brought to startling life in vivid detail, along with the nature of life in the 1600’s in New England. Mary Bliss Parsons is accused of witchcraft multiple times during her life and brought to trial based on the accusations of a bitter and angry woman, Sarah Bridgeman. I found it interesting to see how people who lived through the same circumstances deal with them in very different ways. ‘My Enemy’s Tears’ is a fascinating story of a society and people gripped by fear of the unknown as they grasped for what lay just beyond their reach. Anyone who loves historical fiction and especially 17th century New England will be enchanted by Ms. Williams’ novel, ‘My Enemy’s Tears’.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My Enemy's Tears" gives us a new insight into the lives of the early New England settlers. Karen Williams reminds us that these are not just the iconic historical figures, but very human people. The characters in this story show us very plainly that being a separatist in England was very different (and often not what they imagined) from being a Puritan in New England. The hardships and trials of carving out these new settlements unfold in the lives of Ms. Williams characters. We see the “Saints” attempting to build their model community and the new men such as Joseph Parsons who seek opportunities for advancement not available in England. We see these very human characters face adversity and grow stronger and wiser than they began. We also see the results on those less strong, who when righteousness fails them, devolve into envy, bitterness and malice. The human element Ms. Williams gives us opens a window into these early New England days and shows us the dynamics of a community taking it’s first hesitant steps on the path that would lead to Salem.