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Loving Husband #4
Down Salem Way
The long-awaited prequel to the bestselling Loving Husband Trilogy. How would you deal with the madness of the Salem witch hunts? In 1690, James Wentworth arrives in Salem in the Massachusetts Bay Colony with his father, John, hoping to continue the success of John's mercantile business. While in Salem, James falls in love with Elizabeth Jones, a farmer's daughter. Though they are virtually strangers when they marry, the love between James and Elizabeth grows quickly into a passion that will transcend time. But something evil lurks down Salem way. Soon many in Salem, town and village, are accused of practicing witchcraft and sending their shapes to harm others. Despite the madness surrounding them, James and Elizabeth are determined to continue the peaceful, loving life they have created together. Will their love for one another carry them through the most difficult challenge of all?
336 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2019
36 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Allard
19 books362 followersMeredith Allard is the author of the beloved bestselling paranormal historical Loving Husband Trilogy. Her sweet Victorian romance, When It Rained at Hembry Castle, was named a best historical novel by IndieReader. Down Salem Way, the prequel to the Loving Husband Trilogy set around the Salem Witch Trials, won the B.R.A.G. Medallion and was a semi-finalist for the Chaucer Award in Early Historical Fiction. Painting the Past: A Guide for Writing Historical Fiction was named a #1 new release in creativity self-help on Amazon. She has taught writing to students ages five to 75, and she loves books, cats, and coffee, not always in that order. She lives in the hills of Southern Nevada. Visit Meredith at www.meredithallard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 19, 2021
Down Salem Way by Meredith Allard
I can say right from the beginning, the author sets the time and place, by describing it in a easy to imagine way. The historic and geographical facts are pretty accurate, as far as I can tell .
The book starts getting interesting around page 50, and in really pulls you in at the climax.
I will admit, The writings a little bit dry Until the climax. But the story line keeps you interested long enough to read past the dryness.
TW: The preachings of the reverend in this book, is acurate to the point, where if you have religious trauma, it might trigger you.
I think this book really grabs the essence of the thoughts of someone who doesnt believe in or doesn't agree with the church, and is looking at church goers and their erratic beliefs(James being the character to experience this). Not to say all church goers are erratic(please do not feel I am insulting your religion or beliefs). However, like in most religions, there are Extremists who give the religion a bad name; the same goes for the ones in this book. It was 1690's salem, of course there were extremists.
It also is really good at showing the infuluence that religious leaders over people, by using conspiracy theories and fear.
As someone who has been in a church with extremists, i can say the view the character has about his fellow church goers, is very accurate.
I really like the Characters James Wentworth and his Wife Elizabeth. They are very well written. Elizabeth being an opinionated woman, unheard of in 1692. And james, a educated man, who hasn't done hard labor in his life, also unheard of at the time; you really can empathize with James as he theorizes his outlook on people.
And I think that's what makes them good Characters. They are different.
Except for the slow start, there isn't much about this book I don't like.
4/5 stars!
I can say right from the beginning, the author sets the time and place, by describing it in a easy to imagine way. The historic and geographical facts are pretty accurate, as far as I can tell .
The book starts getting interesting around page 50, and in really pulls you in at the climax.
I will admit, The writings a little bit dry Until the climax. But the story line keeps you interested long enough to read past the dryness.
TW: The preachings of the reverend in this book, is acurate to the point, where if you have religious trauma, it might trigger you.
I think this book really grabs the essence of the thoughts of someone who doesnt believe in or doesn't agree with the church, and is looking at church goers and their erratic beliefs(James being the character to experience this). Not to say all church goers are erratic(please do not feel I am insulting your religion or beliefs). However, like in most religions, there are Extremists who give the religion a bad name; the same goes for the ones in this book. It was 1690's salem, of course there were extremists.
It also is really good at showing the infuluence that religious leaders over people, by using conspiracy theories and fear.
As someone who has been in a church with extremists, i can say the view the character has about his fellow church goers, is very accurate.
I really like the Characters James Wentworth and his Wife Elizabeth. They are very well written. Elizabeth being an opinionated woman, unheard of in 1692. And james, a educated man, who hasn't done hard labor in his life, also unheard of at the time; you really can empathize with James as he theorizes his outlook on people.
And I think that's what makes them good Characters. They are different.
Except for the slow start, there isn't much about this book I don't like.
4/5 stars!
November 16, 2021
This seems beyond belief, I have read the full trilogy, and even though my heart cries out for the poor people who suffered such torments, throughout time, I have read James account of what occurred in this tale.
Yes, we should recognize that humans have a vile countenance when they are filled with hate, jealousy and rage. They wish harm to those they perceive have gained more than they believe is just, and off course, that's what they haven't obtained from their sloven efforts. However, faced again in a situation such as the witch hunts or the Nazi's Jew roundups, would anyone make a stand against the perpetrators of evil?
Yes, we should recognize that humans have a vile countenance when they are filled with hate, jealousy and rage. They wish harm to those they perceive have gained more than they believe is just, and off course, that's what they haven't obtained from their sloven efforts. However, faced again in a situation such as the witch hunts or the Nazi's Jew roundups, would anyone make a stand against the perpetrators of evil?
August 17, 2021
A heart rending start to a promising series, Down Salem Way is told from the perspective of James Wentworth, a man living in Salem during the time of the witch trials, and his wife, Elizabeth. I really enjoyed this historical novel along with the paranormal twist, and it makes me want to read the rest of the series to find out what happens next.
November 4, 2021
We are proud to announce that DOWN SALEM WAY (The Loving Husband Series Book 4) by Meredith Allard has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
November 13, 2019
This is a prequel to the Loving Husband series, I haven't read them yet!
This delves in to the history of the Salem witch trials. The story gives fantastic insight in to the lives of those who lived amongst suspicion and judgement. Some of the characters were real individuals involved in the trials like Increase Mather.
The focus is on one family who are wealthy members of society. As the number of afflicted increases the Wentworths slowly begin to feel less comfortable in Salem and begin to make plans to return to England.
When one of the helping girls who'd previously been flirting with James Wentworth is finally fired she takes her revenge by making the ultimate accusation and accusing James' wife Elizabeth of witchcraft.
Will they be able to rescue her?
As I haven't read the series I did find the ending a bit puzzling. It seemed to lead perfectly in to the series tho so will probably make a lot more sense to those who have read the series and I do intend to now.
I loved the characters especially Wentworth Senior and the three sisters.
The emotions captured by the author are fantastic for capturing how people must have felt at the time.
Although I enjoyed the book I'd recommend anyone interested reads the series first so this ending makes more sense.
This delves in to the history of the Salem witch trials. The story gives fantastic insight in to the lives of those who lived amongst suspicion and judgement. Some of the characters were real individuals involved in the trials like Increase Mather.
The focus is on one family who are wealthy members of society. As the number of afflicted increases the Wentworths slowly begin to feel less comfortable in Salem and begin to make plans to return to England.
When one of the helping girls who'd previously been flirting with James Wentworth is finally fired she takes her revenge by making the ultimate accusation and accusing James' wife Elizabeth of witchcraft.
Will they be able to rescue her?
As I haven't read the series I did find the ending a bit puzzling. It seemed to lead perfectly in to the series tho so will probably make a lot more sense to those who have read the series and I do intend to now.
I loved the characters especially Wentworth Senior and the three sisters.
The emotions captured by the author are fantastic for capturing how people must have felt at the time.
Although I enjoyed the book I'd recommend anyone interested reads the series first so this ending makes more sense.
September 16, 2019
I liked this book with the Salem Witch Trials as the blackground. I used to read or watch TV movies about it when I was A youth so I was pretty happy when I seen this.
There were other towns between 1692-1693 but Salem was the most famous.
I thought that this plot was well written and the characters were unique in their own way.
I wished that James and Lizzie weren't so stubborn and listened to JamesI' father! I wanted to scream at the so bad!!
Even though I couldn't relate to any of the characters this was still a great read because I love the Historical aspect of Salem village.
However; I sure didn't like Samuel Parris or his Children! It was predgiducism at it's best in this story.
I was in shock when I found out about a certain character. I think what it was for me was because Lizzie was a faith filled person. I love that she talked to God everyday. Same as I do.
I want to talk about the cover. The cover gives it away pretty much as does the title! Both the cover, title and contents inside went together nicely.
I still think I want to read the other books in this series because I want to read more about the history of Salem.
My thanks to Netgalley for this awesome book. NO compensations were received and All opinions are my own!
There were other towns between 1692-1693 but Salem was the most famous.
I thought that this plot was well written and the characters were unique in their own way.
I wished that James and Lizzie weren't so stubborn and listened to JamesI' father! I wanted to scream at the so bad!!
Even though I couldn't relate to any of the characters this was still a great read because I love the Historical aspect of Salem village.
However; I sure didn't like Samuel Parris or his Children! It was predgiducism at it's best in this story.
I was in shock when I found out about a certain character. I think what it was for me was because Lizzie was a faith filled person. I love that she talked to God everyday. Same as I do.
I want to talk about the cover. The cover gives it away pretty much as does the title! Both the cover, title and contents inside went together nicely.
I still think I want to read the other books in this series because I want to read more about the history of Salem.
My thanks to Netgalley for this awesome book. NO compensations were received and All opinions are my own!
October 12, 2019
This is a prequel to the Loving Husband series, I haven't read them yet!
This delves in to the history of the Salem witch trials. The story gives fantastic insight in to the lives of those who lived amongst suspicion and judgement. Some of the characters were real individuals involved in the trials like Increase Mather.
The focus is on one family who are wealthy members of society. As the number of afflicted increases the Wentworths slowly begin to feel less comfortable in Salem and begin to make plans to return to England.
When one of the helping girls who'd previously been flirting with James Wentworth is finally fired she takes her revenge by making the ultimate accusation and accusing James' wife Elizabeth of witchcraft.
Will they be able to rescue her?
As I haven't read the series I did find the ending a bit puzzling. It seemed to lead perfectly in to the series tho so will probably make a lot more sense to those who have read the series and I do intend to now.
I loved the characters especially Wentworth Senior and the three sisters.
The emotions captured by the author are fantastic for capturing how people must have felt at the time.
Although I enjoyed the book I'd recommend anyone interested reads the series first so this ending makes more sense.
This delves in to the history of the Salem witch trials. The story gives fantastic insight in to the lives of those who lived amongst suspicion and judgement. Some of the characters were real individuals involved in the trials like Increase Mather.
The focus is on one family who are wealthy members of society. As the number of afflicted increases the Wentworths slowly begin to feel less comfortable in Salem and begin to make plans to return to England.
When one of the helping girls who'd previously been flirting with James Wentworth is finally fired she takes her revenge by making the ultimate accusation and accusing James' wife Elizabeth of witchcraft.
Will they be able to rescue her?
As I haven't read the series I did find the ending a bit puzzling. It seemed to lead perfectly in to the series tho so will probably make a lot more sense to those who have read the series and I do intend to now.
I loved the characters especially Wentworth Senior and the three sisters.
The emotions captured by the author are fantastic for capturing how people must have felt at the time.
Although I enjoyed the book I'd recommend anyone interested reads the series first so this ending makes more sense.
September 8, 2019


Member Review

Down Salem Way
by Meredith Allard
Pub Date: 25 Jun 2019
Review by

Trick W, Reviewer
Last updated on 07 Sep 2019
My Recommendation
Received this through Net Galley! Thank you so much! This is a love story of two people that not only have to deal with the locals but then they are in Salem and who is a witch and who isnt? This is a series I have not read,just this book but I want to read the whole series. You can read this book alone but why would you want to miss out on the other books! Mystery,love,questions and what will become of everyone? Not going to go into the book itself then you won't read the book and you really will not want to miss this well written,well history researched story. If you can read the others before you read this one,I wish I had! You will enjoy these people and it has you wondering....and I'm not telling you what!!🙈🙉🙊
Publish your review!

Member Review

Down Salem Way
by Meredith Allard
Pub Date: 25 Jun 2019
Review by

Trick W, Reviewer
Last updated on 07 Sep 2019
My Recommendation
Received this through Net Galley! Thank you so much! This is a love story of two people that not only have to deal with the locals but then they are in Salem and who is a witch and who isnt? This is a series I have not read,just this book but I want to read the whole series. You can read this book alone but why would you want to miss out on the other books! Mystery,love,questions and what will become of everyone? Not going to go into the book itself then you won't read the book and you really will not want to miss this well written,well history researched story. If you can read the others before you read this one,I wish I had! You will enjoy these people and it has you wondering....and I'm not telling you what!!🙈🙉🙊
Publish your review!
September 8, 2019
Received this through Net Galley! Thank you so much! This is a love story of two people that not only have to deal with the locals but then they are in Salem and who is a witch and who isnt? This is a series I have not read,just this book but I want to read the whole series. You can read this book alone but why would you want to miss out on the other books! Mystery,love,questions and what will become of everyone? Not going to go into the book itself then you won't read the book and you really will not want to miss this well written,well history researched story. If you can read the others before you read this one,I wish I had! You will enjoy these people and it has you wondering....and I'm not telling you what!!🙈🙉🙊
Read
August 14, 2019Witch hunts, madness, and history. That tells how James met Miriam and how he came to be a vampire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews