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Willow Marsh
Death stains her hands.
Tessa yearns for closure with her mom and brother after they are killed in a tragic accident, so she tries to contact them on the other side.
Tessa's mother taught her how to do séances, but when Tessa tries it outside her new home in Willow Marsh, some otherworldly passengers slip through the gateway.
Trying to adapt to her new home with her dad, she feels torn between the deeply flawed, shy boy with the sketchy past, and the sheriff's hot son. Her inner voice grows dark and desperately tries to latch on to the sheriff's son, to the point where Tessa could completely lose control.
Everyone in Willow Marsh seems to be lying, and the anxiety of renegade spirits, the powerful voice inside her head, and guilt over her mother and brother's deaths start to consume her, breaking her down, piece by piece.
Tessa yearns for closure with her mom and brother after they are killed in a tragic accident, so she tries to contact them on the other side.
Tessa's mother taught her how to do séances, but when Tessa tries it outside her new home in Willow Marsh, some otherworldly passengers slip through the gateway.
Trying to adapt to her new home with her dad, she feels torn between the deeply flawed, shy boy with the sketchy past, and the sheriff's hot son. Her inner voice grows dark and desperately tries to latch on to the sheriff's son, to the point where Tessa could completely lose control.
Everyone in Willow Marsh seems to be lying, and the anxiety of renegade spirits, the powerful voice inside her head, and guilt over her mother and brother's deaths start to consume her, breaking her down, piece by piece.
- GenresFantasy
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2018
15 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 30, 2019
Jo Cassidy's small town of Willow Marsh houses quite a lot of secrets and it is difficult to know whom to trust. Tessa must rely on her heart and her gut to survive this creeptastic tale of tragedy, magic, and love. I could have easily read this book in one sitting but alas, I was forced to sleep and work. The plot twists are gnarly in this thrilling suspenseful ghost story. Another 5-star performance from Cassidy!
October 6, 2018
"Willow Marsh" by Jo Cassidy
This book has action, suspense, and romance -- everything you could possibly want in a novel.
After a tragic accident takes the lives of Tessa's mother and younger brother, she moves with her dad to Willow Marsh. Their new house can't be inhabited until it's fumigated, so they stay with the realtor and her teenage son, Graham. Tessa is warned more than once to keep her distance from Graham, but she sees nothing dangerous about him. Anyway, she has other things to worry about, like the sheriff's son, the voice in her head, the strange occurrences that keep happening, and the evil Harrison brothers. To say she has her hands full is an understatement! Who can she trust when there are so many secrets and people are determined to hide their true colors?
This novel was a real page turner. It grabbed my attention from the very first page and never let go. There's just something about a small town that seems to be hiding things from the newcomers that puts me on edge. Evil does indeed walk among the people of Willow Marsh. Sometimes it even floats unseen!
The book made me uncomfortable in some places, namely the scenes where Reed and his brothers sauntered in and wreaked havoc. This shows what an incredible writer Jo Cassidy is. She can evoke emotions in her readers like few authors can.
This book has action, suspense, and romance -- everything you could possibly want in a novel.
After a tragic accident takes the lives of Tessa's mother and younger brother, she moves with her dad to Willow Marsh. Their new house can't be inhabited until it's fumigated, so they stay with the realtor and her teenage son, Graham. Tessa is warned more than once to keep her distance from Graham, but she sees nothing dangerous about him. Anyway, she has other things to worry about, like the sheriff's son, the voice in her head, the strange occurrences that keep happening, and the evil Harrison brothers. To say she has her hands full is an understatement! Who can she trust when there are so many secrets and people are determined to hide their true colors?
This novel was a real page turner. It grabbed my attention from the very first page and never let go. There's just something about a small town that seems to be hiding things from the newcomers that puts me on edge. Evil does indeed walk among the people of Willow Marsh. Sometimes it even floats unseen!
The book made me uncomfortable in some places, namely the scenes where Reed and his brothers sauntered in and wreaked havoc. This shows what an incredible writer Jo Cassidy is. She can evoke emotions in her readers like few authors can.
May 20, 2019
This author is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!
I was introduced to her through reading Good Girls Stay Quiet, and Willow Marsh was so much more! I didn't think it was possible. If you have not read either of these books yet, what are you waiting for???
And even better, it is teen friendly!
I was introduced to her through reading Good Girls Stay Quiet, and Willow Marsh was so much more! I didn't think it was possible. If you have not read either of these books yet, what are you waiting for???
And even better, it is teen friendly!
October 11, 2020
This book was nothing like I expected. I thought I knew what was going to happen, but that totally went out the window... and I LOVED IT!
June 17, 2019
Woot, a 5-star rating for you Jo.
Really enjoyed this. Would have finished it a lot sooner but had this darn family reunion that got in the way. And of course I'd find the most secluded corner of the house with a light source to read and someone would find me and insist on chatting. *grumble*
If you read Good Girls Stay Quiet and aren't convinced to read another by Jo Cassidy -- let me assure you, this one is worth the read. I will say it is a bit off my normal material for reading but it was great. I really wanted to know what was going to happen with everyone and got a solid story and conclusion.
Verdict -- Worth it. If you're on the fence, then pick the side with the sign saying "READ IT" and you have made a good choice.
Really enjoyed this. Would have finished it a lot sooner but had this darn family reunion that got in the way. And of course I'd find the most secluded corner of the house with a light source to read and someone would find me and insist on chatting. *grumble*
If you read Good Girls Stay Quiet and aren't convinced to read another by Jo Cassidy -- let me assure you, this one is worth the read. I will say it is a bit off my normal material for reading but it was great. I really wanted to know what was going to happen with everyone and got a solid story and conclusion.
Verdict -- Worth it. If you're on the fence, then pick the side with the sign saying "READ IT" and you have made a good choice.
October 28, 2019
"Donde quiera que moramos, siempre seramos familia"
I could not turn the pages of this book fast enough. I didn't know what was real and was was percieved. There are things going on that made me glad I was reading when the lights were on and I wasn't alone.
Willow Creek is a small town with only one Realtor, an inn, a sherriff and a cast of characters who fill all the classic roles in a YA story. BUT "...people just disappear from Willow Creek." "There are lots of dark and twisted souls" and THAT makes for fantastic story.
This was the perfect read for a dark and stormy Sunday night. A Sunday night with lights on and people in the house. Haha
I could not turn the pages of this book fast enough. I didn't know what was real and was was percieved. There are things going on that made me glad I was reading when the lights were on and I wasn't alone.
Willow Creek is a small town with only one Realtor, an inn, a sherriff and a cast of characters who fill all the classic roles in a YA story. BUT "...people just disappear from Willow Creek." "There are lots of dark and twisted souls" and THAT makes for fantastic story.
This was the perfect read for a dark and stormy Sunday night. A Sunday night with lights on and people in the house. Haha
May 21, 2020
This book has great characters, the supernatural, possession and is an all-around good read. There was only one tiny thing I didn’t care for and it’s so minor that at this point I don’t even remember what it was, so it doesn’t count. This is the second book I’ve read by Jo Cassidy and I’m looking forward to more of them.
October 3, 2018
A delightfully spooky book. I loved the grit of the protagonist and the ghost trapped inside of her. Made for an engaging internal conflict! Loved the text conversations between Tessa and Graham, too. And the mystery behind Ellington. Totally like Bates Motel--with ghosts.
August 16, 2024
This seemed to be specifically geared towards the younger side of YA. I think if I were 12-13 or even younger there is a high chance I would have enjoyed this more. (However my experience with that seems to be in the minority considering how high most reviews are).
So take my review with a grain of salt.
SPOILERS AHEAD
1. Without going into too much detail there is kind of a love triangle but also not really? Tessa, our FMC, has a thing with Graham (this awkward boy who I loved in the beginning but then he started to make no sense) and Blake (the "super hot dude" who is the sheriff's son) has this weird thing for her right off the bat. Tessa clearly has a thing for Graham and thinks Blake is creepy but she still seems to be comforted by his presence and there was a lot of conflicting things there. I do understand that she was lowkey possessed by his dead girlfriend who wanted to get back together with him USING ANOTHER GIRLS BODY (which is beyond messed up and I'll get to more on that in a minute) but there were a few times Tessa chose to kiss him seemingly out of her own will? Maybe this was meant to be confusing but it frustrated me.
2. Let me come back to Graham for a second because he is almost too loyal. Picture this: this girl you like tells you that she is kissing and flirting with this other dude solely because she is being possessed by his dead girlfriend. Would you:
A. Tell her she's nuts and run off.
B. Be skeptical but not outright dismiss her.
C. Believe her immediately because with her behavior that is the only thing that makes sense.
I think you can guess which one Graham chose...(C).
Maybe I am completely untrusting but if someone told me that I am likely to be a solid A. I'd be like "what crap excuse is that???"
3. The possessing body situation which does get pretty dark at one point. The girlfriend, Delilah full on possesses Tessa's body and makes out with Blake and things are getting really heated but luckily Tessa takes control back before it gets too far. But it is a close call. It was hands down the most intense part of this book.
4. Last but not least is the fact that Blake acts like he knew Delilah was in there because Tessa's eyes would turn blue? From what I understand Delilah and Tessa look nothing alike so I don't know how some magical eye color change would make him believe Tessa is possessed by HIS VERY DEAD GIRLFRIEND. Of course Blake why wouldn't you assume that? It's completely rational.
Overall, my biggest struggle is that this book didn't make sense. The characters actions and reactions to things were nonsense. Maybe I'm not the right audience but what do I know?
Content: Clean with some violence and that one almost rape scene
So take my review with a grain of salt.
SPOILERS AHEAD
1. Without going into too much detail there is kind of a love triangle but also not really? Tessa, our FMC, has a thing with Graham (this awkward boy who I loved in the beginning but then he started to make no sense) and Blake (the "super hot dude" who is the sheriff's son) has this weird thing for her right off the bat. Tessa clearly has a thing for Graham and thinks Blake is creepy but she still seems to be comforted by his presence and there was a lot of conflicting things there. I do understand that she was lowkey possessed by his dead girlfriend who wanted to get back together with him USING ANOTHER GIRLS BODY (which is beyond messed up and I'll get to more on that in a minute) but there were a few times Tessa chose to kiss him seemingly out of her own will? Maybe this was meant to be confusing but it frustrated me.
2. Let me come back to Graham for a second because he is almost too loyal. Picture this: this girl you like tells you that she is kissing and flirting with this other dude solely because she is being possessed by his dead girlfriend. Would you:
A. Tell her she's nuts and run off.
B. Be skeptical but not outright dismiss her.
C. Believe her immediately because with her behavior that is the only thing that makes sense.
I think you can guess which one Graham chose...(C).
Maybe I am completely untrusting but if someone told me that I am likely to be a solid A. I'd be like "what crap excuse is that???"
3. The possessing body situation which does get pretty dark at one point. The girlfriend, Delilah full on possesses Tessa's body and makes out with Blake and things are getting really heated but luckily Tessa takes control back before it gets too far. But it is a close call. It was hands down the most intense part of this book.
4. Last but not least is the fact that Blake acts like he knew Delilah was in there because Tessa's eyes would turn blue? From what I understand Delilah and Tessa look nothing alike so I don't know how some magical eye color change would make him believe Tessa is possessed by HIS VERY DEAD GIRLFRIEND. Of course Blake why wouldn't you assume that? It's completely rational.
Overall, my biggest struggle is that this book didn't make sense. The characters actions and reactions to things were nonsense. Maybe I'm not the right audience but what do I know?
Content: Clean with some violence and that one almost rape scene
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2022
Willow Marsh
Jo Cassidy
Rating ❄❄❄❄❄
Review
Another amazing book from Monster Ivy's amazing author Jo Cassidy! I've read other books by the author but nothing quite like this it's so wholesome and kept me at the edge of my seat till the very end!! I'm writing my review immediately after finishing because I don't want to mix up book 1&2 because yeah I'll start book 2 immediately after finishing writing this!
Tessa Isaacson is new in Willow Marsh and as all small towns she becomes the talk, but what no one knows is that she's wearing a mask. Her past is tragic and her seance has made a soul get attached to her, while another ghost is trying to contact her all because she wants to connect with her mom. She is trying to run from her past and the vampire finch that is basically everywhere in town!
Graham is good to her but Blake is easy on the eyes but men aren't simple creatures either it's up to her to figure out whom to trust in this small town where people disappear and vampire finches follow around.
An amazing book that everyone will love! The characters are quirky and fun yet have backgrounds that add layers to everyone, the plot is simmered down to a nice thick sauce that goes well with the writing style and we basically have an epic thriller in our hands by Jo Cassidy! I highly recommend this book, because it's thrilling and exciting and has a great plotline!
Jo Cassidy
Rating ❄❄❄❄❄
Review
Another amazing book from Monster Ivy's amazing author Jo Cassidy! I've read other books by the author but nothing quite like this it's so wholesome and kept me at the edge of my seat till the very end!! I'm writing my review immediately after finishing because I don't want to mix up book 1&2 because yeah I'll start book 2 immediately after finishing writing this!
Tessa Isaacson is new in Willow Marsh and as all small towns she becomes the talk, but what no one knows is that she's wearing a mask. Her past is tragic and her seance has made a soul get attached to her, while another ghost is trying to contact her all because she wants to connect with her mom. She is trying to run from her past and the vampire finch that is basically everywhere in town!
Graham is good to her but Blake is easy on the eyes but men aren't simple creatures either it's up to her to figure out whom to trust in this small town where people disappear and vampire finches follow around.
An amazing book that everyone will love! The characters are quirky and fun yet have backgrounds that add layers to everyone, the plot is simmered down to a nice thick sauce that goes well with the writing style and we basically have an epic thriller in our hands by Jo Cassidy! I highly recommend this book, because it's thrilling and exciting and has a great plotline!
March 19, 2025
An interesting story. I liked Tessa, and I really liked Graham. Though the back and forth between them and Blake got old pretty fast (like Graham, love triangles are NOT my thing, even if it only exists because of a ghost possessing Tessa). All the séance scenes were really good! They were intense, and I never knew what was going to happen in them. I doubt I'd ever be brave enough to do one again if I were Tessa 😅
And oh man, some seriously tragic back stories from all the main characters (even the ghosts). Those were super good. It was wonderful to see Tessa work through her guilt about her mom and brother's deaths. I would've liked a little more ... idk, emotion from Graham when he's talking about his past. His brother was murdered recently, and his mom killed his father to protect him, yet that scene felt a bit forced to me (why would he tell Tessa's dad any of that?).
I did like it when Tessa could kick Blake to the curb once and for all. Hallelujah! That was such a strange, rushed relationship. The author did a good job at making me feel uncomfortable with it.
The only reason this isn't four stars for me is because it took a REALLY long time for Tessa to stop reacting to things going on around her and to actually set a plan into motion (and even then, the "plan" was just kinda "follow Ellington and see what happens"). Still a very entertaining read!
And oh man, some seriously tragic back stories from all the main characters (even the ghosts). Those were super good. It was wonderful to see Tessa work through her guilt about her mom and brother's deaths. I would've liked a little more ... idk, emotion from Graham when he's talking about his past. His brother was murdered recently, and his mom killed his father to protect him, yet that scene felt a bit forced to me (why would he tell Tessa's dad any of that?).
I did like it when Tessa could kick Blake to the curb once and for all. Hallelujah! That was such a strange, rushed relationship. The author did a good job at making me feel uncomfortable with it.
The only reason this isn't four stars for me is because it took a REALLY long time for Tessa to stop reacting to things going on around her and to actually set a plan into motion (and even then, the "plan" was just kinda "follow Ellington and see what happens"). Still a very entertaining read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2018
Tessa and her father move to a new town to find a fresh start. Tessa is not happy about the move, she has left behind her best friend, her home and her life that she has known for most of her life. But, there are memories back in her home town, ones she can't shake.
Tessa has a secret, she blames herself for what happened to her mom and little brother. She has nightmares that leave her sleepless and fragile. Her mother taught her how to communicate with the dead, and Tessa uses seances to try to connect with her mother, but she may have let others in. Now she is being possessed and frightened by these other forms, making her do things she doesn't want to do. Can she withstand these forces? Will light overcome dark? Will she get to be with the one she cares about most? Can she forgive herself, let go and move on?
Read and you will find out, so worth the read.
Tessa has a secret, she blames herself for what happened to her mom and little brother. She has nightmares that leave her sleepless and fragile. Her mother taught her how to communicate with the dead, and Tessa uses seances to try to connect with her mother, but she may have let others in. Now she is being possessed and frightened by these other forms, making her do things she doesn't want to do. Can she withstand these forces? Will light overcome dark? Will she get to be with the one she cares about most? Can she forgive herself, let go and move on?
Read and you will find out, so worth the read.
July 4, 2025
Willow Marsh series book one
I read Good Girls Stay By Quiet and become enamored with Jo Cassidy‘s writing. I then grabbed her Harper series. It was totally different from the first book I read of hers. Now I’m reading the Willow Marsh series. The first book was fantastic and again it’s totally different than the other two series. Jo Cassidy can switch genres easily. She does a fantastic job writing each one. Check out all her books. I know I’ll be looking forward to anything. She writes in the future.
I read Good Girls Stay By Quiet and become enamored with Jo Cassidy‘s writing. I then grabbed her Harper series. It was totally different from the first book I read of hers. Now I’m reading the Willow Marsh series. The first book was fantastic and again it’s totally different than the other two series. Jo Cassidy can switch genres easily. She does a fantastic job writing each one. Check out all her books. I know I’ll be looking forward to anything. She writes in the future.
June 9, 2019
I loved this story! I loved the teenage romance and the supernatural storyline tying the characters together!
After Tessa loses her mom and little brother in a car accident, she and her dad move to Willow Marsh for a fresh start. Tessa is determined to do a seance to try and contact her mom, instead letting dark forces loose! She must figure out what is going on in her new town before it's too late!
After Tessa loses her mom and little brother in a car accident, she and her dad move to Willow Marsh for a fresh start. Tessa is determined to do a seance to try and contact her mom, instead letting dark forces loose! She must figure out what is going on in her new town before it's too late!
October 4, 2018
Gorgeous setting and beautifully flawed characters, this YA novel has depth so many are lacking. It's deliciously spooky and keeps you guessing for when those rascally ghosts are going to pop up next. Jo Cassidy has such a gift for intrigue!
May 24, 2022
This book had me sweating and in a rage half the time. The other half of the time I was melting over the romance. This author definitely knows how to tell a captivating story. I’m looking forward to checking out more of her books.
September 24, 2025
First time readying from this author and loved the story , and how she brought the supernatural into the mystery of the story had me hooked the whole time . I am looking forward to book two and any other books by this author I highly recommend if you like this types of books
February 11, 2019
I'm not really into the whole seance stuff but this book was really good. Well written, engaging, and something new for me.
Pioneer Book: book by a female author
Pioneer Book: book by a female author
August 1, 2021
This was a really good audiobook. The writer of the book also read the book and she did really great. The story really came together with its twists and turns.
July 7, 2023
captivating
The story drew me in from the first chapter, I’m looking forward to the next book by Jo Cassidy. Excellent!
The story drew me in from the first chapter, I’m looking forward to the next book by Jo Cassidy. Excellent!
May 21, 2024
Fun, intriguing, and different
This was my first novel by Jo Cassidy but won’t be my last. Compelling location, interesting characters, and lots of twists kept me reading “just one more chapter.”
This was my first novel by Jo Cassidy but won’t be my last. Compelling location, interesting characters, and lots of twists kept me reading “just one more chapter.”
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews