Catching a Witch: A Novel of Loyalty, Deception, and Superstition

by Heidi Eljarbo

What Would You Do to Save Your Best Friend from Burning at the Stake?The year 1660 is when it all changed... That's when a witch-hunter comes to Clara Dahl's seaside village in Norway. She's horrified to discover how fast her neighbors and friends are to turn against each other. She soon realizes her sleepy, little, picturesque corner of the world has been invaded by evil—and it has nothing to do with witchcraft. As neighbor turns against neighbor, Clara finds herself drawn into the fray, forced to do what she can to protect her friends and loved ones. An educated and upstanding minister's daughter, Clara speaks out against the witch-hunter's unjust treatment of those accused of witchcraft. She sees how he plays the villagers, using their superstitions and religious beliefs to make good people accept horrible things. When Clara’s best friend Bess is accused of being a witch, Clara must make an incredible sacrifice to save not only her friend, but the entire town… before it’s too late. About the Book In 1660, women had no voting rights, couldn’t own property, and were treated as second-class citizens. If that weren’t bad enough, many innocent women—especially poor women—were tried and executed for witchcraft. The people responsible for their deaths were often their own friends, family members, and neighbors. Catching a Witch is a story about a young woman who's willing to do whatever it takes to protect the people she cares about most in this world. You’ll love this book if you enjoy…Historical dramasWitches and witch huntingHistorical thrillersThe history of religion and superstitionsA story with a strong female protagonist fighting for what’s rightReaders of similar books such as Year of Wonder by Geraldine Brooks, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe, The Heretic’s daughter by Kathleen Kent, and The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare will love Catching a Witch. Scroll up and click “buy now” to help Clara save her village from evil.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2017

About the author

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.


If you would like to know more, please visit:

Official Author Website:
https://www.heidieljarbo.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheidie...
https://no.pinterest.com/heidieljarbo/

Reviews

[Randi Annie Framnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Clara Dahl returns to seemingly quiet and idyllic little Norwegian town, Rossby, she is shocked to find a witch hunter is invited to weed out the female population. Supported by town council, untrue and silly allegations are made against women and Clara has to take drastic measures to prevent her best friend from being tried as a witch. On this quest a couple of surprising allies turn up to help.

Catching a Witch by Heidi Eljarbo is about, idyllic little town, Rossby, in western Norway which gets a visit from famous English witch hunter Angus Hill. Rumors and allegations are made by children and people with all kinds of agendas to cast blame on town’s women. With an unbelievable mixture of misguided beliefs and share callousness Angus Hill rounds up innocent women, including Clara’s best friend Bess, and throws them in jail. In danger of being declared a witch herself Clara tries to speak in their favor, but as a woman she is not heard. She has to resort to drastic measures and the help of a couple of surprising allies to free the “suspects”.

Main character Clara Dahl is the well educated and privileged minister’s daughter who has an exotic background very different from others in the village. She has a mindset reminiscent of today. I find her kind and assertive even though she seems to view herself as slightly introverted and is my favorite character in this story.

Innkeeper/Councilman Hansen seems to have plenty of negative traits. I find him disrespectful and focused on keeping up his power and reputation. He carries around a stick he uses to beat children who get in his way. When deciding my least favorite character there is plenty to choose from, but Hansen is certainly right at the top of the list.

I felt the writing of Catching a Witch was vivid, descriptive and engaging.
I enjoyed the descriptions of village health care and the closeness of women in the little village community. The use of medicinal herbs seemed close to cooking and the natural knowledge of women brought from mother to daughter through generations I find fascinating. These descriptions were my favorite parts of the story.

The witch trials described seemed to have elements of gruesome entertainment which reminds me of descriptions of beheadings in town squares in the Middle Ages. I felt a hurtful lump in my stomach reading these parts of the story. Most savage methods were used against innocent, even pregnant, women. This was my least favorite part of this story, although I appreciated the dramatic element.

As I have not read any historical fiction set in Norway 1600s, I think the research of village life in western Norway was educational and great. The witch hunter’s methods and activities I found mind numbingly atrocious. -Good writing.
Similar authors to explore might be Geraldine Brooks, Katherine Howe, Kathleen Kent or Elizabeth George Speare.
Thank you to author Heidi Eljarbo for providing this copy which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

My rating: 3 stars / 5
Main reasons: Good character development and research, Vivid writing

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story reminds me of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692-93. Where neighbours turned against neighbours and pointing their fingers at the person next to them.
All started by a witch Hunter named Agnus Hill looking to cause trouble among the town, speaking half truths and quoting verses from the Bible : 1 Samuel 15:23 "For rebellion is a sin if Witchcraft and the stubbornes is an iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast reflected the word of the Lord he hath also rejected thee from being King
Micah 5:12- And I will cut off thyne hand and thou shall not have no more soothsayers and this says nothing about jezebels!
I think this man just wanted to scare people and he certainly did a fine job of it.
However; I still enjoyed this book very much!!
Clara was a fine example of a minister's daughter and her loving and caring ways for the town of Ross really made me admire her.
I think it was just the people's way to get rid of the ones that were homeless, not well to do and the mentally unstable people in their midst.
Heidi has certainly captured the mood swings of these people very well and you could feel that their feel was very real.
I certainly did not like that witch Hunter Angus Hill. He really was a work in progress let me tell you and creepy. I even felt myself looking over my shoulder for him lol!
But for those people that were supposed to have known God's word should have known better but a big but here's the catch it's called FEAR!! Fear can cause a great havoc and make people do things they normally don't do even if it's at the cost of other's lives.
I also loved the author's note at the end where she separates fact from fiction.
I learned a lot with that piece of information and I'm really glad that some authors do that because it shows us readers that they do their research well. And are able to turn it into a great book!!
I can't wait to read the next one in this series!!
Y'all I can't wait for you to pick up this good book!!
Sorry this review was so long Heidi but my heart was full and had to be let out!!!
I strongly recommend this book and anyone can read it!!
My thanks to the author for letting me read this book!! NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catching a Witch: A Novel of Loyalty, Deception, and Superstition, Heidi Eljarbo

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Historical

I take a dip into historical novels every now and then and this one, covering the period when Witch-hunters were very active caught my eye. I'm very intrigued by the way the mass hysteria took hold so easily. seems weird to us now but I guess superstition abounded then when people had so little control over their lives, when animals sickened and died, crops failed, people were dogged by what seems like bad luck - and of course they wanted someone to blame. It was a way too of seeking vengeance for imagines or petty insults. Throw in the misogynistic men and its a recipe for disaster. 
Disaster is just what happens when a student of the famed Matther Hopkin arrives in the sleepy little village where Clara lives. We see at first hand just how easy it is to whip up hatred, for innocent gestures to take on insidious meanings, for those who used herbs to heal others to be accuses of using witchcraft. Over it all is the witch-hunter and his self important acolytes in the village men. Not all of them, some stay fast but of course no-one dare speak out for fear of being the next accused. All except Clara, who does her best to stop the awful "trials" where in reality ladies stood no chance, once accused it was like a death sentence.
Its a scary thought but I could see people acting in a very similar way if this were to take place now. some people seem so full of bitterness, jealousy, a need to blame everyone but themselves and I've no doubt they would happily convince themsleves they were doing the right thing. we see so much hatred every day to anyone the slightest bit different from their peers and that would easily translate into a story like this today. :-( 
I felt the historical aspect of the novel was well done, it was very realistic and genuine. I did feel the pacing was very slow for me though. some books need that but with this one I found it dragged in parts. I expected Clara's friend to be accused sooner, but its almost halfway through before that happens. I didn't feel "in" the story much of the time, but an observer, and found myself losing interest in sections. Overall I enjoyed it but it's not a story I'd re-read. 
Stars: three and a half. I enjoyed parts of it a lot, but other sections seemed very slow paced. 

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Every story is like a prism. When light hits the prism, it breaks into a rainbow, causing an array of magical colors.’

Author/artist Heidi Eljarbo studied art, languages, and history and worked as a freelance writer, magazine journalist, and painter. Her ‘homes’ have included Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, and she now calls Norway home. CATCHING A WITCH appears to be her first published novel and it is full of promise!

Heidi’s passion for art and history are evident in her setting of this historical fiction novel set in Scandinavia. The flavor of her writing is rich in magical tones and she opens her epic with a classic Prologue: Toomber’s Cottage, Rossby, Norway, Summer 1658 - I was not there the day the gravedigger injured his foot, but the account was passed on even decades later… It was a misty day when the air was full of water but did not let go enough to make it rain. Toomber was preparing new graves in the cemetery. He was always a step ahead of the dying. A ready grave meant quick business to him. He had visited the Laursen family that same morning because they had a sickly child. Surely, they would want a grave ready in case the child passed on within the next few days? Then he had crossed the marsh to speak with an elderly couple who lived in the woods close to the abbey. He had convinced them it would be disastrous if they died, and no one would bury them. “Buy in advance,” he’d said. “Buy while you can still pay.” She has our attention and the story can move forward.

Providing a succinct synopsis that offers the gist of the lot without giving away the secrets is a challenge for any author. Heidi accepts that challenge and provides the following – ‘In 1660, women had no voting rights, couldn’t own property, and were treated as second-class citizens. If that weren’t bad enough, many innocent women—especially poor women—were tried and executed for witchcraft. The people responsible for their deaths were often their own friends, family members, and neighbors. The year 1660 is when it all changed...That's when a witch-hunter comes to Clara Dahl's seaside village in Norway. She's horrified to discover how fast her neighbors and friends are to turn against each other. She soon realizes her sleepy, little, picturesque corner of the world has been invaded by evil—and it has nothing to do with witchcraft. As neighbor turns against neighbor, Clara finds herself drawn into the fray, forced to do what she can to protect her friends and loved ones. An educated and upstanding minister's daughter, Clara speaks out against the witch-hunter's unjust treatment of those accused of witchcraft. She sees how he plays the villagers, using their superstitions and religious beliefs to make good people accept horrible things. When Clara’s best friend Bess is accused of being a witch, Clara must make an incredible sacrifice to save not only her friend, but the entire town… before it’s too late.’ Catching a Witch is a story about a young woman who's willing to do whatever it takes to protect the people she cares about most in this world.’

Another welcome aspect of Heidi’s novel is her inclusion at book’s end of an author’s note dividing fiction from history ‘The scenes and dialogues with historical characters are invented. The Danish-Norwegian kings, Fredrik III and his father, Christian IV, both believed that evil witchcraft had to be conquered. King Fredrik III enjoyed books as much as Clara does. He was well read and interested in the theology and science of his day. King Fredrik III had a substantial book collection and founded the Royal Library in Copenhagen. I have only guessed that he had a copy of Heinrich Kramer’s Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches). Wyllem Coucheron, whose wine the mayor and Angus Hill enjoy, was my ninth great-grandfather. His story is real, though if he had his own wine label, I would not know. Clara’s background as part of a missionary family in Okinawa is a play with history. There were Christians in the Far East in the seventeenth century, but Christianity was also forbidden by the Japanese shogun. Persecution and executions made it a dangerous way of life. Clara grew up with the shamanistic wisdom of the Okinawans. That the Dahl family lived on the island of Okinawa was more of a humanitarian or anthropologian effort than a purely proselyting practice. Even though this is a work of fiction, witch-hunting was a real and horrible part of history and, unfortunately, is still a threat in some parts of the world.’

Welcome to the fold of gifted writers of the historic genre, Heidi Eljarbo. You have established a solid audience!

[Escape Into Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t too sure if I was going to like Catching a Witch. I did read the blurb and was intrigued enough to accept the author’s invite to read. But I was on the fence if I was going to like it. I’m glad I decided to read/review Catching a Witch because I ended up loving the book. It had the right amount of suspense and history to keep me glued to the pages.

Clara has returned to her home village in Norway. She had lived in Okinawa, Japan and decided to make the journey home after her father dies. She is staying with her best friend Bess, the town’s healer and midwife. Clara starts noticing that on the surface the village seems to be unchanged. But there are undercurrents that worry her. Passing through Europe she heard of the witch hunters. She is very worried that the hysteria will find its way to Norway. And it does. Clara is horrified at how the witch hunter fans the fame of hysteria. When Bess is brought in, Clara fights to free her and the other woman held before they are killed. She even goes as far as to petition the King of Norway to stop this madness. She also makes a plan to help Bess and the women. But will she be able to help them? Will she be able to stop the madness before more innocent women get killed?

I thought Clara was a strong woman. She traveled alone across Europe in a time where being a woman was risky. She was also educated, which was unheard of back then. She was concerned, as she should have been, about the persecution of women across Europe. She worried that it could come to Norway. Her worries were well founded when a witch hunter, Angus Hill, showed up shortly after the festival. I was as shocked as her when he performed his first witch hunt. His first victim was a simple-minded woman who lived by the sea. Then it extended to other poor, single women that were disliked or feared by the village council and their families. I was horrified when Clara was forced to translate for Angus Hill. That is how she saw another childhood friend, a nun, get burned at the stake.

But instead of cowering, Clara became very outspoken against the witch hunter. I thought that would put a huge target on her head but Angus took it as a sign to pursue her. Puke. When Bess was taken in, at 8-9 months pregnant, Clara was driven to action. She traveled to the capital and managed to get an audience with the King. She returned home after he dismissed her. That is when she formulated her plan to break Bess and the other women out of where they were being held. Like I said, a strong woman.

The only true bad guys in this book were Angus Hill and his helpers. Mainly the twins, Taran and Tilla. The harm that those two girls did in that village was awful. Put it this way, they paved the way for Angus Hill to come in. They also gave him the names of the women he could murder. Each woman had done something that angered the twins or their mother. I wanted to reach through the book and smack the smirks off their faces. Evil, evil children. Evil. I did wonder why Angus didn’t want one of them as a wife but wanted Clara. I mean, they held the same murderous beliefs that he did.

I also wanted to string up Angus. I know he was a product of his time but to drown women and burn them at the stake on rumors? Awful. I remember thinking “I hope he goes to a hot place when he dies“. I have never hated a character as much that I wished him dead. Oh, and the village council and the twins. But he was the main person that I disliked.

I was a little surprised at the ending of Catching a Witch. While I had a feeling what happened was going to happen, I was still surprised by it. Also, I was surprised by a character’s turnaround. I didn’t see that coming either. And the end, the epilogue, was a huge surprise.

Catching a Witch is a well written historical fiction book. The book did start very slowly but once Angus comes to the village, it picks up. By the end of the book, I couldn’t put the book down. The author does tweak some of the storylines a bit but she explains why in the afterward. The characters came to life. And the plots were very well written. Catching a Witch is a book that I would read again.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Older teen

Why: No sex or language. But there is violence. There is a graphic scene where a woman is drowned and where a woman is burned to death. I would advise caution in anyone under 16 reading because those scenes could be traumatic to some people.

I would like to thank Heidi Eljarbo and TCK Publishing for allowing me to read and review Catching a Witch

All opinions stated in Catching a Witch are mine

I received no compensation for this review

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

[Gayle Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS
Sometimes all it takes is one person and what they say, right, wrong or indifferent, to spread like wild fire. The story of witches spread like that wild fire. What could possibly cause everything to go wrong? Witches and their powers must have caused people's lives to go downhill, their livelihoods dissolve, and their animals to die. IT had to be witches. Someone or something had to be causing these things to happen. It doesn't take but a couple of words and those words spread farther and farther. It wasn't what some thought. It wasn't witchcraft. It was sometimes just simple herb remedies and all of a sudden that person was a witch. Does anyone want to stand up and voice what they believe to be the truth? No. They may be seen as a witch themselves so they stayed quiet. But in a quiet little place lives a woman, Clara, who isn't afraid to speak out. She knew those women who were often proclaimed as being witches and sent to trial, were not witches. SO she spoke against these trials of innocent people.

I found the historical aspects of the book to be in detail. It told of so many who were completely innocent being sent to the gallows. Why, because there are those who want to believe in the bad in people. The hysteria took hold and it caused others to be blinded by that hysteria. All because the town leaders decided to rid the town of evil and evil doers. People of the town who had known each other for years turned on each other.. Neighbors turned on neighbors, friends turned on friends and family turned on family. Much like today. So many are turning on each other, only believing the gossip they hear and not taking time to find the truth. So they decide to have a witch hunter come and do away with the witches and their evil. That would certainly make their town perfect, without any bad left.

These kind of things, accusations, persecutions are not just a thing of the past. It could and does happen today. Some don't want to stand up and say, yes I did that. Everyone else is to blame. They didn't do anything wrong. Some don't want to have anything to do with people who are different, but aren't we all different? Often times it's because of a lack of understanding, or should I say, a lack of trying to understand others. So it happened then, it happens now. Just as in this book, everyone has their good point and everyone has their bad points. The characters in this book each points that were proud points about them.

IT brought forth emotions and a lot of thinking. We need to stand up for what is right. Not go with the flow simply because of fear. Is it not better to know you're doing the right thing instead of following the cries of the weak. Whatever happened to, "innocent until proven guilty"? I did find something I didn't know. The sign of a witch is a mole. I had never read that before. I enjoyed the part at the end of the book where the author told of the different parts of the book that were historically correct. Interesting!

If you like the stories of witchcraft and the Salem witch trials then read this one and do a little thinking, but do enjoy also.

I received a copy of this book from the author and decided to review it.

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching a Witch has to be one of the most riveting books I’ve read this year. It’s a historical fiction novel based on true events in history, the witch trials. This particular novel takes place in the mid-1600s in a small village in Norway. It realistically captures the sad and horrific time in history when many innocent people lost their lives, many were women.

The book is unique in that the chapters features different people in the small seaside village. Most of it is told through Clara. She is the daughter of a pastor and is returning to the village after her father died. The town held happy, precious memories for her, so she is hoping she will find some peace and spend time with her best friend, Bess. Bess has a special talent. She uses herbs and plants to help heal ailing townspeople and has presided over many births. The more time Clara spends there she realizes something mysterious is going on. Weird questions are being asked about the women of town from the innkeeper. Things become quite clear with the arrival of a witch hunter is has come to rid the town of evil. Clara cannot believe what she is witnessing…the persecution of innocent women. She realizes she must do what she can to stop this evil, not from the supernatural but from a very human source, before it’s too late.

Even though the book takes place hundreds of years ago, readers can still learn very important lessons. It questions why seemingly intelligent, rational people can follow a leader like sheep to a slaughter. Most people, not all, in this seaside town are good people who want the best for each other. When the witch hunter comes to town, they begin turning on one another despite the fact that they have known each other for years. We face those same things today. We are quick to judge others and follow without finding out the facts ourselves. We sometimes don’t realize the road we are going down could be quite dangerous.

The author also highlights what it was like to be a woman at that time. They weren’t valued for their intelligence and were treated as property. Clara was a woman way before her time. She was educated and intelligent, not putting stock in superstitions that were common at that time. She was brave and courageous in her defense of the innocent women accused of witchcraft.

This was a fast-paced historical novel that is well worth reading. The characters were well-developed and complex, and that became evident with each chapter I read. Even though most of the book is told through Clara’s eyes, the other chapters give insight into other people in town.

Through their POVs, readers will see what motivates each one. Some people I thought would not be helpful turned out to be great allies to Clara. Heidi Eljarbo’s writing is phenomenal. She wrote in a way that made me feel like I was an active participant in the story. I could clearly see each character and the setting vividly in my mind. Wonderful book! 5 ++++ stars for me!!!

***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***

[MiraJane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got the opportunity to read and review this book for free, so first of I would like to thank the Heidi Eljarbo for the opportunity. Even though my review might seem like I think otherwise, I am always grateful and flattered when an author contacts me, giving me their art and asks me for a review. The downside with it is that I hate having giving bad reviews, but I feel like I need to be honest. So here goes.

I really, really wish I had liked this book. The writing was very good and although history - especially Norwegian history - is not my forte, I could still tell that the author put a lot of work and effort into making this story accurate for the time it played out. I am always up for a strong female protagonist, fighting for women's rights and equality in the community, and this story praised that well. What I especially enjoyed though, is how one of a kind this book was. It is not often I read books teaching me about another country's history and I don't usually find books that is based on true events from history. I mean, there probably are many books out there based on true stories, but what made this book stick out was how the author expertly taught the reader about Norwegian history and culture, almost without the reader even knowing, by making it into a fiction. I swear, if all my subjects in school were taught like that I probably had gotten straight A:s.

As much as I appreciate a unique and educational book, I could never fully get invested in the story. I felt like it took too long until the story got anywhere and it became slow paced because of that. The beginning takes place as an introduction to all the characters and environment which was not necessarily bad, but since it took such a big part of the book it did not progress the story much to what it was actually about; the witch hunt. The fact that the plot for finding and executing witches does not start until around 50 % (kindle), is a sign that the introduction is too long. I think that was the major reason for why it took me so much time to finish this story and, although I really wish it wasn't, to read it to the end was a struggle. I sort of lost the will and excitement to care about the plot and characters in the beginning, which in turn made me unable to invest myself in the story when things finally started to happen. It's too bad really, since I think it would have made me like this book much more and invest more emotion into it, if the introduction was shortened down.

Seeing the reviews on amazon however, I can see that it is a liked book. So maybe it is just me not being a fan of the writing style and genre. I don't know. What I do know for sure is, even though I didn't like the book as I would have hoped, the author certainly knows how to write.

[June Ahern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first time read of author Heidi Eljarbo.

The story begins with a serious accident, a belligerent patient and a strange powerful medicine woman. Then we go to the 17th century in Norway where Clara Dahl, protagonist, comes back to her childhood home after a period of time away in the East with her preacher father. The author is very descriptive in such a way that one feels right in that small village in the 1600’s; the quietness, the slow moving business, and the serenity. Clara’s joyful to reunite with those she loves like her cousin and best friend, Bess who is from a long line of healers and to most in the village, their “physician” with her knowledge of herbs.

Clara has a desire and intention to start a village school, wanting to give a chance for the village children to raise themselves from serfdom, if possible. Most villagers need their children to work alongside them in the fields and her challenge to convince them is not easy. As she moves on with her project the village is visited by a witch-hunter, an English man named Angus Hill. Historically, this is at the height of the witch scare where so many were tortured and killed; millions of woman (mostly) and men over a terrible period of many more years than most know. Clara is shocked by what is happening and wishing to help her fellow villagers becomes involved to stop the craziness. As it is today, when rumors are afloat and fear reigns, ugly things happen; mob mentality, murders and falsehoods as citizens turn against each other in a frenzy of fear as they get swept up in all the witch hunter’s allegations of witchcraft. Angus Hill soon turns his attention to Bess and it is up to Clara to find a way to stop the vile man before any more innocent people get harmed.

I am very familiar with the witch hunt history and this book is a good edition of that “burning” times (as found in producer/writer Donna Reed’s “Burning Times”. It certainly will show you how religion regarded women’s roles in society and how unjust it was to be a woman then and in some countries, still. Author, Heidi Eljarbo’s note at the end of the book tells you about the historical facts. Read it.

There’s some very interesting characters besides Clara, the brave young woman. When you get to “the end” I encourage you to read Ms. Eljarbo note on historical facts. She has done her work and painted a true good historical fictional account.

[Rita Kroon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting is Rossby, Norway, a seaside village in 1660. Clara Dahl, an educated and upstanding missionary's daughter returns after several years in Okinawa to her hometown to reconnect with her best friend, Bess. She also wants to start a school for the local children. Before long, however, Clara hears that the famed English witch-hunter, Angus Hill, is coming to her picturesque town to root out evil. She watches in horror as the witch hunts of Salem spread to her own community. She is appalled by the townspeople she has known and loved turn against each other in mob mentality under the influence of the despicable Angus Hill; and how poor, innocent, and defenseless women, accused of being a witch, are tortured and killed by various means. She is desperate to help, but does not know who to trust anymore, except for a few people. When Bess is taken into custody, Clara, along with her few friends, swing into action - not only to rescue Bess, but those other women held in custody awaiting trial as well.

Author Heidi Eljarbo uses great descriptions for the setting, and she develops the characters in a masterful way. She has researched this subject and presents it in such a way as to bring this historical fiction to life.

The story has a slow start - the fast-paced action does not start until Chapter 8. Heidi leaves several untied threads at the end which I think
can unravel a reader. For example: What happened to the boy who stole the crucifix? Why weren't Taran and Tilla punished? Why wasn't Angus Hill charged with murder? What caused Toomber, the gravedigger, to have such a quick change of heart? What happened to Peter who was in love with Clara?

Some scenes are graphic, but overall, Heidi does a fine job of depicting the torture and deaths of women without being overly graphic

I give Catching a Witch by Heidi Eljarbo a 3.5 star rating.

Review by: Rita Kroon, author of Letters from the Past (historical fiction), and Kiss Your Mommy Goodbye (novel).

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Catching a Witch
This historical novel takes place in the 1660, a time where you would be suspected of witchcraft for having any type of talent. Many healers were ruled out as witches because of their knowledge and use of herbs to cure an illness. I was horrified on how the fear turned friends into enemies in the blink of an eye. I do believe the author portrayed such dark times in such a realistic and magnificent way. Honestly, I truly could feel the fear the characters had when the accusations started. Even when I was nothing but the reader, I could feel the guilt of not being able to help the innocent ones that were humiliated, tortured and killed for being nothing more that special. That is a huge unfairness and the fact that I could feel so deeply towards such a situation says a lot about how well the author portrayed the situation and pour not only facts and knowledge of those times but her feelings towards them.
Clara Dahl, a minister’s daughter, was the perfect heroine. She was brave, determined and had a strong sense of justice. It was admirable how she did her best and tried her hardest to stop the fear, torture and betrayal that came from the witch trials. She was a true heroine for standing up to the unfairness of the witch hunter and everything he represents. I would this book to be turn into a series or perhaps have a sequel in which we could get into the witch hunter’s mind. I am kind of partial to series that are told from different points of view. Therefore, I think that would be a huge plus.
I highly recommend this book to any historical novel fans who lost drama, mystery and truth, all mixed together in a package that promises a true time travel into an age of darkness and fear.
Reviewer of Romance Authors That Rock
4 ❤

[Neely Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I don't read too many historicals, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It's so horrible to think of all the innocent people who were killed by so-called witch hunters. Heidi Eljarbo makes it real to you so that you feel the agony of their friends and family. Clara Dahl has returned to the town where she lived so happily with her family before her mother's death. She walked the familiar roads and paths and thinks of all the good memories there. She has returned after the death of her missionary father and hopes to teach school, including helping girls learn to read and write. She is also thrilled to be reunited with her beloved friend Bess, a healer and purveyor of herbs and medicinal supplies. Being back home is wonderful until the town council decides there's a need to rid the town of evil and brings in a witch hunter. When Bess is imprisoned, Clara's whole world is in jeopardy.

What makes this book so fascinating is that the principles in it can be applied to what we're seeing all over the world today. It may not be witch hunting, but prejudice and superstition still mean innocent people are in danger, and all of us must have the courage to stand up and fight it. Heidi also does a marvelous job of showing how quickly a crowd of neighbors who have lived in harmony can turn on one of their own.

You'll enjoy a roller coaster of emotions with this book, but most of all, you'll just enjoy reading it. I'm so glad I was given a copy to review. I believe you'll enjoy it too.

[Emily Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking to get your feet wet with some historical fiction? Then make sure you check out Catching a Witch by Heidi Eljarbo!

Every now and again I like to read something slightly different than my average rom-com romance. When Eljarbo reached out for me to review Catching a Witch, I was more than excited to take part. The Witch Trials have always been fascinating to me. It was a no brainer to take a chance on a new author. I'm here to tell you I was not let down by Eljarbo.

Eljarbo's attention to historical detail was extremely well done. She paints a clear, understandable and closely accurate description of the times, thought process and places during this infamous era. She took me back in time effortlessly.

Although I really loved this book it'd hardly be a review without some suggestions from the reader. In my opinion at times this book lagged. We were nearly half way through before her friend was even accused. I wish it would have happened sooner rather than later. At times it was just too slow paced for my taste.

Eljarbo is a truly talent author worth checking out. Be sure that you are a lover of historical fiction and you are truly looking for a book that not only will take you back in time but also feed your education as you read. This is not your average beach read.

[Robert Yokoyama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there were more elements in this novel of witch craft. I want to understand what exactly makes witches dangerous in the seventeenth century. I have heard about the Salem Witch trials, but I have never read anything about it, so I have nothing to compare this novel to, and that is a good thing because I can review this novel without any bias. Heidi Eljarbo captures a sense of hysteria that witches can have. I would to have seen evidence of actual witch craft, but I am thinking there probably wasn't any. I am still giving this novel the highest rating I can because of the characters.

Each character has a memorable trait that I love. Clara has a passion to teach and educate the people of her village in Norway. She uses her intelligence and resourcefulness to stop an evil witch hunter. Bess has the knowledge to deliver babies and cure sick people. Toomer is a grave digger who does his job with his head held high. There is a sense of honor about him that I love. Even the minor characters in this novel are essential to the plot. I like the way the Heidi Eljarbo unravels these characters one at a time. I could not put this book down once I started it. I wanted to know what happens to the characters.

[Jane Blanchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you, like me, enjoy stories with stories with strong female protagonists, don't miss Catching a Witch: A Novel of Loyalty, Deception, and Superstition by Heidi Eljarbo. In 1660, after living 10 years in the orient with her missionary father, Clara Dahl returns to her home in Norway. At first, she delights in meeting old friends who are local healers and midwives. Soon after her arrival, the town hires Angus Hill, a witchfinder. In no time, he finds his first witch and drowns her. As neighbors become suspicious of each other and more witches are found, Clara tries to save her friends and restore the town's sanity.

This story shows how easy it is for a glib speaker to sway the uneducated and superstitious away from reason and how easy it was to thwart the voice of a powerless woman. Only with her knowledge, education, and connections can Clara persuade those with real power to intervene on behalf of the women.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catching a Witch starts strong, with a vivid prologue featuring a woman who is a healer in 1600s Norway, a dangerous practice for women during a time when healing with herbs was often considered witchery.

From there, we shift gears to a slower pace, with the healer’s childhood friend, who is the main character, returning from Asia. We spend a lot of time with her readjusting to life in the small village, meeting with the people there, and getting to know them as adults.

We don’t get back to the witch theme until about midway through the book. The witch hunter and witch trials come late in the book, and pacing feels somewhat rushed and light on detail, especially compared with the meandering pace of the first half.

For me, this story is much more about the strength and bond of female friendship, with the persecution of witches as a catalyst forcing them to band together.

*I received a review copy from TCK Publishing.*

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading from the author.
The story has some spots that are at a slow pace that introduces us to characters. I loved the world the author made for their characters. The story pulled me in as it hooked me with the mention of witches. The way they were treated since people didn’t understand how some people could heal with herbs. Some characters seemed nice, while others seem really bad. Angus Hill and John Pywell, witch hunters or witch finders. The innocent are convicted of being a witch. There was some characters pointing at others and they got innocent people killed from it. A mole is a mark of a witch, I have heard that as I grew up. It was a good story that kept me on the end of my seat as Clara tried to help the ones being accused.

Got ARC for an honest review.
Thank you for sharing your book with me.

[Laura Ruetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Set in Denmark, this story is about a young woman who returns to her small village home after many years. It shows how a witch hunter comes to town, and with the lies of two young women, how the fear of witches turns neighbor against neighbor. Clara, the young woman who has returned to the village, stands up for the wrongly accused, including her friend Bess.

This book is very well written, and the language flows on the page. From the land to the people, everything is described perfectly without being wordy. The story is engaging, and Clara is a perfect central character. She is smart, strong willed and with a firm set of what is right, even if it means going against the popular opinion. As in Salem, once the accusations started flying, more and more joined in, and nobody is truly safe from being accused.

I received a free copy of this book

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deceit, Greed and Vengefulness are Dangerous in Youth Who Have No Conscience!

The helplessness and feelings of despair conjured in the reading of this story and through Clara's character are at times overwhelming! To realize that witch-hunting was real and thousands of innocent women were tortured, persecuted and murdered all in the name of protection from evil is deeply disturbing! Not to mention how frightening the ultimate mob mentality of an entire community is when following a perfect stranger professing to be an expert on the matter and his ability to turn neighbors against each other without a second thought! This author writes beautifully, however, she could have provided better closure by at least punishing Taran and Tilla Land in the end!!

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This history takes place in Norway in the 1660's as a witch hunter comes to the village where Clara lives. It is a time of great tense and it has neighbor turning on neighbor. It was kind of hard to read and took me a couple of section. It was not because the book was bad or anything. It was just intense at times. It made me feel for Clara and those close to her and what she has to do to keep those she cares about safe. When a close friend is accused it pushes Clara to rethink what is happening in her town. It was worth the time to read. It tells the tale of how people's beliefs and superstitions can be preyed upon.

[Louise Pledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotional story and one that angers the reader. Set in the year 1660, it portrayed the superstition that was prevalent at the time regarding witches. Innocent people were tortured barbarically, all because someone or ones twisted their quirks and mannerisms into proof of witchcraft. Often it was friends or family, even, who turned them in.

I enjoyed the book and found myself heartily cheering the heroine on, the brave woman who tried to defend the accused and put an end to the evil in the town.

Also, it deserves extra points for being a clean read!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great first book. We are all aware of the Salem Witch Trials, but I was unaware that the trend was also an issue in other countries. Our story opens with Clara returning to the small seaside town of her youth, following the death of her father. The is definitely treachery in the hearts of a few and this makes for a very difficult time for all. This book is delves into the mindset of at least two of the evil accusers. Is there a happy ending? Yes, and the journey is worth it!

[JT · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline grabbed me from the first paragraph to the last. Yes, I know it took place back in the 1600's, but the author makes you feel that you're right there in Norway with the characters. The individuals and dialogue are realistic and there are enough twists and turns in the plotline to keep you turning pages. If you have a couple of 'me' hours and want to disappear into a good book, may I suggest you pick this one.

[Solveig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started to read this book in a book group but I never finished it until today.

This is the second novel I read in English where the setting is my home country. I had a bit of trouble adjusting to reading about something which happened in Norway in English, but I always wanted to finish reading the story. I am so happy I finally did because I enjoyed the characters more and more.

It was an intriguing story and it gave me things to think about as the story developed.

[Kerri K · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story had promise, but fell short in editing and completeness. The ending was rushed and there is more to the story, but the author chose to leave out a key detail that would have filled the void. No book hangover with this one, sadly.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs

"A pleasure to read something a little different to the usual Salem/Pendle Witches theme."

[Pippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mus Read

An enchanting thriller about a seaside city in 1660 Norway. Engrossing and marvelous research for this historical novel. Strong female character and well developed.

[Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?

This was a pretty devastating read. Though this is fictional, you know these things happened, and so many people were tortured and killed in the process. This story really brings you back in time and pulls out so many emotions. The pacing was a little slow at times, but the story was interesting and tragic, and it really shows the evil side of humans.

Catching a Witch by Heidi Eljarbo was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.

[April Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of historical fiction then you should absolutely grab a copy of this book from author Heidi Eljarbo. Set in Norway in 1660, Clara Dahl has returned to the seaside home of her youth to spend time with her best friend Bess and to start a school for the local children. She is just starting to get settled in when she hears that the famed witch-hunter Angus Hill is coming to her town to help root out evil. Clara begins to get alarmed as she remembers stories from other countries of the witch trials that have been happening. Bess comes from a long line of healers and has helped many people in the town. Clara watches as the townspeople she has known and loved turn their backs on their neighbors and get swept up in all the allegations of witchcraft going around town. Angus Hill soon turns his attention to Bess. He holds a her prisoner and it is up to Clara to find a way to stop the vile man before anymore innocent people get harmed.
This is a pretty fast paced story that sucks the reader in right from the beginning. I also recommend reading the author's note at the end since she goes in to detail about what was historically accurate in the book.

[Auburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historically accurate portrayal of a dark time. This novel gives a gritty, dark, and often depressing look at the witch hunts.
I enjoyed the realistic look and how the story progresses through normalcy and then towards hate. I did find the story to be a tad slow in places and dragged the storyline.
A great read for historic readers who enjoy a more depressingly real look at history.