What do you think?
Rate this book
The Witching Well #1
The Highwayman Incident
Librarian note: this is a new Kindle book cover edition for B00QL15NQ8.
Celia Quinn's business lies in ruins at the hands of Jason West, the latest in a long line of scoundrels. As she seeks to restore her family's livelihood, Celia stumbles upon lore about the local Witching Well, whose water is said to cause hysteria and psychosis. When a mysterious stranger slips Celia water from the well into her drink, she’s transported to Regency England. Her timeless adventure spans miles and centuries from modern-day New England to Merlin's Cave in Cornwall, England. Only Jason West can save her.
But Celia and Jason must tread carefully, as what happens in the past can reverberate through the ages. Their lives, hearts and futures are caught in time’s slippery hands.
Celia Quinn's business lies in ruins at the hands of Jason West, the latest in a long line of scoundrels. As she seeks to restore her family's livelihood, Celia stumbles upon lore about the local Witching Well, whose water is said to cause hysteria and psychosis. When a mysterious stranger slips Celia water from the well into her drink, she’s transported to Regency England. Her timeless adventure spans miles and centuries from modern-day New England to Merlin's Cave in Cornwall, England. Only Jason West can save her.
But Celia and Jason must tread carefully, as what happens in the past can reverberate through the ages. Their lives, hearts and futures are caught in time’s slippery hands.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2014
About the author
Kristy Tate
117 books160 followersKristy Tate is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary women’s fiction and cozy mysteries. Her novels feature strong, intelligent women who face difficulties, unravel mysteries, and navigate romance with a sense of humor . . . most of the time.
She’s the author of more than thirty books, including the bestselling and award-winning Beyond Series and the Kindle Scout winning Witch Ways series. She also writes lighthearted but speculative young adult fiction as Katie Tate.
When she's not reading, writing, or traveling, she can be found playing games with her family, hiking with her dogs, or watching movies while eating brownies.
She’s the author of more than thirty books, including the bestselling and award-winning Beyond Series and the Kindle Scout winning Witch Ways series. She also writes lighthearted but speculative young adult fiction as Katie Tate.
When she's not reading, writing, or traveling, she can be found playing games with her family, hiking with her dogs, or watching movies while eating brownies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 6, 2015
2.5 stars.
Light, fluffy, clean. That's not really my thing, but I do like highwaymen. This was an okay way to pass the time. I just wish there had been more highwayman action, and that the connections between the characters had been further explored. There were some punctuation errors and the inexplicable use of "veril" instead of "virile."
But the worst error of all... It's WESTLEY, not Wesley.
Light, fluffy, clean. That's not really my thing, but I do like highwaymen. This was an okay way to pass the time. I just wish there had been more highwayman action, and that the connections between the characters had been further explored. There were some punctuation errors and the inexplicable use of "veril" instead of "virile."
But the worst error of all... It's WESTLEY, not Wesley.
December 25, 2014
This was a bit of an odd book to read, the story went all over the place, don't think I will continue with this series.
Want to Read
January 21, 2020🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (1/21/2020)! 🎁
November 19, 2015
Even though the setup felt contrived and smacked more than a little of author dream fulfillment (so many people dream they’ve been transported into a Jane Austin movie), the story beautifully unfolded, bringing to life both Celia and Jason and Regency England around them right out of a BBC dramatization. Though there were points where my suspension of disbelief was exceeded (like Jason being able to do the Regency dances without looking like he had two left feet, even with watching tons of Regency movies doesn’t make it so you can do the dance numbers-I would know. And him being able to ride a horse wasn’t explained off either. I made me wonder if the author had originally intended for him to be from that time period, but then the story would have read too much like Lost in Austin and looked far more like wish fulfillment). It did feel by the numbers as if the author had asked what should happen in a Regency Romance and plugged in a ball, a horse ride with the hero, a rescue of sailors (like in Poldark), a sickness, a gentleman lord with a very large mansion in the country, and all the dresses. And, yes, it felt too contrived their being able to go from past to present and back to past again. But the romance between Celia and Jason felt genuine and grew gradually enough without the characters feeling too pushed around and into the relationship. And I adored that this story didn’t have all the sex that’s so prevalent in this genre. I was honestly surprised when I didn’t run across a single sex scene and totally admired that it stayed clean. The sex in books nowadays just feels cheap and like it’s trying to attract readers with sex appeal alone rather than on the strength of the writing. I would easily recommend this to anyone looking for a heart-warming romance that looks like a BBC Regency drama, but with an accessible modern viewpoint. So, would I consider reading more by this author? Yes, you bet I would!
March 3, 2019
This had potential but it ended up silly and confusing. I mean, Celia and Jason kept going back and forth in time and I never figured out why they went back as a highwayman and one of two ladies in a carriage he was robbing, until 80% of the story when she ran into the fat woman from the carriage, for only a moment.
They were sucked into the 19th century by the Witching Well but when Celia got a little sick Jason passed out and went back to the 21st century, got a container of antibiotics from his car, where her grandmother was sleeping, and went to the Witching Well again and went back to Celia, who was up and around but he still made her take the medicine anyway. Huh? THEN, some bad guys wanted some emeralds and they were beating up Jason for them and Celia intervened and told them she had them, at which time she passed out and found herself back in the 21st century where the emeralds were and got them and took them back to the 19th century. Too much of this story didn’t make any sense and I finally started skimming, because of the confusion and the language was so teenager-ish between Celia and Jason.
It could have been so much better.
July 26, 2016
Promising start... then meh. Nothing happened. The end was ok.
July 4, 2019
I had such high hopes for this book - the idea was there, the first couple chapters had great potential... And then it lost me.
I stuck with it, in the hopes it would redeem itself, but alas, it seems it wasn't meant to be. I grew bored, and came very close to making it a DNF. It was only my stubborn determination to never leave a book unfinished that kept me going.
All of that said, it wasn't all bad... there were some moments I really enjoyed... I just wished there were a lot more of them.
Personally I fell things were focused on that really didn't need to be included/mentioned, while the parts I enjoyed were short lived and barely touched. A lot of things also felt somewhat contrived and "lucky," but I try not to hold that against it too much. And the ending didn't leave me feeling very fulfilled at all.
All of THAT said, I wanted to give this another star for the idea being there, but... I just couldn't bring myself to do so. Call it a 2.5 with potential to be raised if a revised copy were released that delved deeper into things.
I stuck with it, in the hopes it would redeem itself, but alas, it seems it wasn't meant to be. I grew bored, and came very close to making it a DNF. It was only my stubborn determination to never leave a book unfinished that kept me going.
All of that said, it wasn't all bad... there were some moments I really enjoyed... I just wished there were a lot more of them.
Personally I fell things were focused on that really didn't need to be included/mentioned, while the parts I enjoyed were short lived and barely touched. A lot of things also felt somewhat contrived and "lucky," but I try not to hold that against it too much. And the ending didn't leave me feeling very fulfilled at all.
All of THAT said, I wanted to give this another star for the idea being there, but... I just couldn't bring myself to do so. Call it a 2.5 with potential to be raised if a revised copy were released that delved deeper into things.
September 4, 2016
Alright, I had some issues with this book, hence the lower star rating. (2.5)
The plot was intriguing. There is a Witching Well that causes people to Time-Travel. Celia Quinn and Jason West are both given some of the well water by an older Jason. Going back in time to the early 1800s, they must save Percy and Honoria West (whom they both happen to be descended from. So they are very distant cousins which is why they are able to be lovey-dovey).
However, once you veer away from the plot, the book is a muddled heap of confusing. It flits back and forth between time periods, and not necessarily in an easily track-able way. The two somehow end up traveling to Regency England even though they are from the States in the 21st Century. I suppose that one could argue that the Well is magic and thus chose where they went, and they were predestined to save their ancestors. But it still seems mildly far-fetched to me (and I can deal with a lot of things that would usually seem far-fetched if it's written correctly).
Not only that, but most of the characters are underdeveloped and it's difficult to remember who is who. There is a lot of talk about how the Regency England folks are like Jane Austen characters, but as someone who has yet to read any Jane Austen (they are on my TBR list I promise), it was difficult for me to even comprehend what the character was like. Therefore, they fell flat and never grew. Really, only Celia grew throughout the novel and that was just her realizing that she shouldn't be an ass to Jason.
However, on the plus side, if you want a quick, fluffy, and innocent romance, this delivers. Jason and Celia fall in love, they were meant to be, blah blah blah. I love romances and it was cute, but overall... it isn't completely my cup of tea. Maybe I'll get the next book, since I'm curious about Celia's friend's experience, but it's not a priority buy.
The plot was intriguing. There is a Witching Well that causes people to Time-Travel. Celia Quinn and Jason West are both given some of the well water by an older Jason. Going back in time to the early 1800s, they must save Percy and Honoria West (whom they both happen to be descended from. So they are very distant cousins which is why they are able to be lovey-dovey).
However, once you veer away from the plot, the book is a muddled heap of confusing. It flits back and forth between time periods, and not necessarily in an easily track-able way. The two somehow end up traveling to Regency England even though they are from the States in the 21st Century. I suppose that one could argue that the Well is magic and thus chose where they went, and they were predestined to save their ancestors. But it still seems mildly far-fetched to me (and I can deal with a lot of things that would usually seem far-fetched if it's written correctly).
Not only that, but most of the characters are underdeveloped and it's difficult to remember who is who. There is a lot of talk about how the Regency England folks are like Jane Austen characters, but as someone who has yet to read any Jane Austen (they are on my TBR list I promise), it was difficult for me to even comprehend what the character was like. Therefore, they fell flat and never grew. Really, only Celia grew throughout the novel and that was just her realizing that she shouldn't be an ass to Jason.
However, on the plus side, if you want a quick, fluffy, and innocent romance, this delivers. Jason and Celia fall in love, they were meant to be, blah blah blah. I love romances and it was cute, but overall... it isn't completely my cup of tea. Maybe I'll get the next book, since I'm curious about Celia's friend's experience, but it's not a priority buy.
August 4, 2016
I wanted to like it. I really did. In fact, the first two chapters were quite promising , but it went downhill at a rapid pace. Not only did the plot lose direction, the characters had no depth, events occurred only to be forgotten, the romance was without foundation and soon became stagnant. The first two chapters were interesting, by the third I was skimming and at the halfway point I'd tossed the book aside, never to be picked up again. I didn't care anymore and couldn't be brought to.
To make matters worse, the book was riddled with anachronisms. Everything from revolvers in the Regency era to dresses described as a cross between Elizabethan era and War Between the States era. But by far the worst is the language. It was cringe inducing. Not only did it span multiple eras, it felt clunky and unrealistic. It was very obvious that the author was not comfortable in a historical setting, she didn't understand how titles or forms of address worked. There was a very limited understanding of social customs and conventions. The scenes spent back in time felt like a child's imagination of how the past would be, unrealistic, without depth, and foundation. Not a step back in time, just a crudely constructed caricature of the past.
It was an interesting idea, but poorly executed. I really did want to like it, but just couldn't.
To make matters worse, the book was riddled with anachronisms. Everything from revolvers in the Regency era to dresses described as a cross between Elizabethan era and War Between the States era. But by far the worst is the language. It was cringe inducing. Not only did it span multiple eras, it felt clunky and unrealistic. It was very obvious that the author was not comfortable in a historical setting, she didn't understand how titles or forms of address worked. There was a very limited understanding of social customs and conventions. The scenes spent back in time felt like a child's imagination of how the past would be, unrealistic, without depth, and foundation. Not a step back in time, just a crudely constructed caricature of the past.
It was an interesting idea, but poorly executed. I really did want to like it, but just couldn't.
October 30, 2018
It was good, but could have been so much better. Many parts of the book felt either slapped together, or chopped up- like she wrote a bigger story and cut bits out to fit into other stories, therefore, leaving out information that would make it more clear. There were also bit where it didn't flow well as if it wasn't thought out/developed well. Spoiler a little...why did they need to get the baby the Mrs West? What proof do they have that needed to be done? Then she left that hanging. How did Mrs West ultimately know her grandson got on the boat and about it's shipwreck? Lots of things in the book just kind of pop in without being explained very well.
Some of the characters aren't developed well either and aren't believable like Penelope, Percy, Honoria and a few others.
Hopefully her other books are better.
Some of the characters aren't developed well either and aren't believable like Penelope, Percy, Honoria and a few others.
Hopefully her other books are better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2020
The Highwayman incident
Celia upset that her grandmother let the dress shop go. Jason West the lawyer that handled it was at the wedding that Celia was and they were gazing at each other. Of course Celia did not like him. A man sitting at the same table as Celia left her a glass of water. After she took a drink she disappeared into the past. Jason not being able to start his car and a man trying to help put a bottle of water into Jason’s car. Jason took a drink and disappeared. Both Jason and Celia now into the past. After they returned to the future they found the witching well took a drink and fell into the past. Wondering now how to get home and finding a hard time of it. To know the adventure of it all you must read Kristy Tate’s book.
Celia upset that her grandmother let the dress shop go. Jason West the lawyer that handled it was at the wedding that Celia was and they were gazing at each other. Of course Celia did not like him. A man sitting at the same table as Celia left her a glass of water. After she took a drink she disappeared into the past. Jason not being able to start his car and a man trying to help put a bottle of water into Jason’s car. Jason took a drink and disappeared. Both Jason and Celia now into the past. After they returned to the future they found the witching well took a drink and fell into the past. Wondering now how to get home and finding a hard time of it. To know the adventure of it all you must read Kristy Tate’s book.
July 7, 2016
This is a time travel story of Celia Quinn who is losing her Grandmothers dress shop. A stranger gives her water to drink and she goes back in time. The witching well water is what took her back. She and Jason wind up going back in time and correcting the past.
I found this story very interesting and fun. I enjoy time travel and found this met my expectations. This is the second one I have read by Kristy Tate and was not let down with her writing. I can't wait to read some more by her.
I found this story very interesting and fun. I enjoy time travel and found this met my expectations. This is the second one I have read by Kristy Tate and was not let down with her writing. I can't wait to read some more by her.
March 14, 2015
I enjoyed Kristy Tate's book about time travel. It was very interesting and you had to keep up with each page in order to not lose the train of thought of the story. It went from the wishing well, to the barn to the castle, to modern day and her grandma's shop. It is a must read if you love time travel novels.
December 3, 2015
Pure entertainment for all ages! Time travel books sprinkled with historical details often grab my attention and with Kristy Tate's novel, it does not disappoint. Well-written romance, mystery that allows readers to easily shift between present day and the past. A must read, with engaging characters and an adventure with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you reading to the very end.
August 28, 2016
While it was not a DNF it can close. I skimmed a lot. This is a time travel that really does not hold up to others in the genre. The characters are all over the place and the story is haphazard. This was a short story that was expanded but it really need a lot more "meat" to make it an actual story. No character development and I found myself just wanting the whole thing to be over.
March 3, 2017
A page turner
This is a time travel story, present day and Regency. The story moves between the two time periods regularly. They had to find out why they were sent back in time. This story will keep you turning pages. I enjoyed the banter between the two. You should read this it's well worth your time. Thank
This is a time travel story, present day and Regency. The story moves between the two time periods regularly. They had to find out why they were sent back in time. This story will keep you turning pages. I enjoyed the banter between the two. You should read this it's well worth your time. Thank
May 17, 2019
Regency adventure and a paranormal twist.
First time reader of Kristy Tate and found and interesting paranormal adventure. The Witchy Well was not easily found but oh all the adventure after accidentally failing in the water and drinking some by mistake. Transported 300 years into the past and back to their very beginnings. Good clean tale and enjoyable.
First time reader of Kristy Tate and found and interesting paranormal adventure. The Witchy Well was not easily found but oh all the adventure after accidentally failing in the water and drinking some by mistake. Transported 300 years into the past and back to their very beginnings. Good clean tale and enjoyable.
May 30, 2019
Time-travel
This book was a fast paced work. However it kinda bounced around in its story telling, was rather shallow in its details, and lacked deep characters. But the characters did grow, change and solve problems. Reading more like a YA, this book was ok. Not my favorite but it kept my attention to the end.
This book was a fast paced work. However it kinda bounced around in its story telling, was rather shallow in its details, and lacked deep characters. But the characters did grow, change and solve problems. Reading more like a YA, this book was ok. Not my favorite but it kept my attention to the end.
June 3, 2016
A magical book
I am really glad I found this book. Especially since this is the first in a new series. The way the author moved the characters from one time to another was very fluid.
I am really glad I found this book. Especially since this is the first in a new series. The way the author moved the characters from one time to another was very fluid.
July 18, 2018
A Time travel romance
Imagine if you were in a carriage and men took over the carriage and wanted to rob you and the other woman in the carriage gave you an emerald necklace to hide. Oh my! Read The Highwayman Incedent
Imagine if you were in a carriage and men took over the carriage and wanted to rob you and the other woman in the carriage gave you an emerald necklace to hide. Oh my! Read The Highwayman Incedent
June 15, 2019
I don't know if it's just because I had such a connection to a previously read book, or if I just am not in the mood for a novel such as this one- but I did not feel the pull to this novel that I normally do when I am reading a new novel. I will definitely have to try again later.
February 6, 2020
Lovely Romance
Celia and Jason find an adventure they never expected in this fun time travel romance. The characters from both the past and the present are developed in such a way that they enhance the story. An enjoyable read from start to finish.
Celia and Jason find an adventure they never expected in this fun time travel romance. The characters from both the past and the present are developed in such a way that they enhance the story. An enjoyable read from start to finish.
January 20, 2025
Very interesting
I have read quite a few time travel romances but this is the first where the couple travels together. Very interesting perspective. At first, I was not impressed with Celia but she won me over by the end.
I have read quite a few time travel romances but this is the first where the couple travels together. Very interesting perspective. At first, I was not impressed with Celia but she won me over by the end.
July 12, 2015
I loved this book!
If you love time travel romance this book supplies it. Imagine meeting yourself 300 years in the past,only to find out it isn't you.
If you love time travel romance this book supplies it. Imagine meeting yourself 300 years in the past,only to find out it isn't you.
July 19, 2015
The Highwayman
I recommend this book to women who like a clean romance. I like the time travel and historical romance books.
I recommend this book to women who like a clean romance. I like the time travel and historical romance books.
August 14, 2015
Ugh, don't bother.
September 28, 2015
this was okay. It was well written, a bit predictable. A bit short.
October 14, 2015
I loved this story, however it was just too short. I wanted to know more about the witching well and how Celia & Jason could go back and forth through time.
February 7, 2016
Good story
I enjoyed the story but I didn't l know enough about the characters history. It would have been nice to know about their past.
I enjoyed the story but I didn't l know enough about the characters history. It would have been nice to know about their past.
August 6, 2016
A really good clean time-travel romance
I really liked this book. It was a good book for even younger readers.If you want a good clean romance here it is!!!!
I really liked this book. It was a good book for even younger readers.If you want a good clean romance here it is!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews