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The Winterbourne Witches #0.5
Willow Tree Farm
Shannon and Myrtle Winterbourne are no ordinary sisters. Not only do they live in an extraordinary house, in an extraordinary hamlet, but they also have rather extraordinary skills…
Nestled among a thicket of weeping willows deep in the heart of Dartmoor, lies a house like no other. A house defying the laws of logic–and gravity for that matter. Some might even say it had a mind, and soul, of its own. They wouldn’t be wrong.
Affectionately known as Willow, this house has been an integral part of the Winterbourne family for over 400 years, and it is very, very protective of the Winterbournes, so woe betide anyone who dares to wrong this family of witches…
Nestled among a thicket of weeping willows deep in the heart of Dartmoor, lies a house like no other. A house defying the laws of logic–and gravity for that matter. Some might even say it had a mind, and soul, of its own. They wouldn’t be wrong.
Affectionately known as Willow, this house has been an integral part of the Winterbourne family for over 400 years, and it is very, very protective of the Winterbournes, so woe betide anyone who dares to wrong this family of witches…
- GenresAmazon
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2020
107 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Suzy Turner
35 books272 followersSuzy Turner wrote her first chick lit novel in her early twenties, but it wasn’t until much later that she decided to focus on writing full time. It was during a visit to Canada in 2009 when the ravens within the dark eerie forests of British Columbia called to her. The story of Lilly Taylor was born soon after and the first novel in The Raven Witch Saga was created. Suzy has since published numerous urban fantasy books, contemporary women's and cozy mystery novels.
Having lived in Portugal since childhood, Suzy, who is originally from Yorkshire in England, loves to travel. She finds inspiration wherever she goes. Old decrepit buildings, graveyards, cathedrals and castles are just a few of the things that can be found within the worlds of her urban fantasy books, and her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with fun friendships, ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and quirky characters you’d want as friends.
Suzy lives in the Algarve with her husband, three cats and a dog, where she works on her bookcover design business—creating book covers for fellow authors. You can find out more at https://www.suzyturner.com/covers-by-...
Having lived in Portugal since childhood, Suzy, who is originally from Yorkshire in England, loves to travel. She finds inspiration wherever she goes. Old decrepit buildings, graveyards, cathedrals and castles are just a few of the things that can be found within the worlds of her urban fantasy books, and her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with fun friendships, ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and quirky characters you’d want as friends.
Suzy lives in the Algarve with her husband, three cats and a dog, where she works on her bookcover design business—creating book covers for fellow authors. You can find out more at https://www.suzyturner.com/covers-by-...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 12, 2020
Read this prequel to see if I would like to read the series. I don’t. The witches power is beauty therapist. Really.
November 2, 2020
I really like the cover of this book, I think the witch on the front is the main character of the book Myrtle Winterbourne with the family trait of red hair and being a witch. The spooky looking house, though it looks more like a castle is Willow Tree Farm.
There’s quite a bit about the history of the house, how it was lovingly restored by the present occupant’s ancestors. Willow Tree Farm is a special house, it is more like a living being that has emotions and moods too! It has been in the Winterbourne family for years. The house can also play tricks on its occupants and visitors. In fact, at the beginning of the book “Willow” has locked Myrtle out!
This novella concentrates mostly on Myrtle Winterbourne and the fact she doesn’t know what she is going to do as a job yet. The Winterbourne Witches are usually shown their destined profession within a dream that they refer to as an Illuminaire.
In Myrtle’s older sister’s special dream, she was shown she would be a baker. A Witch can have more than one occupation, but each is revealed to them in their own dream. Aunt Lola has had three different professions, and she explains them to Myrtle, she also informs her that she will be helping her set up her own business within the grounds of Willow Tree Farm.
The story is told in what I would call a rather chatty, gossiping style, which works well with the character. This novella sets the scene well for the series, and gives you little clues at what is to come next. I have seen the labels of cosy mystery, contemporary fantasy listed on Amazon which are fair labels and describe the feel of the book quite well.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were that it was a lighter, cosier type of read than my normal choice.....good short read.
To sum up I enjoyed the short, light read and it has left me wondering what is to come from the series.
There’s quite a bit about the history of the house, how it was lovingly restored by the present occupant’s ancestors. Willow Tree Farm is a special house, it is more like a living being that has emotions and moods too! It has been in the Winterbourne family for years. The house can also play tricks on its occupants and visitors. In fact, at the beginning of the book “Willow” has locked Myrtle out!
This novella concentrates mostly on Myrtle Winterbourne and the fact she doesn’t know what she is going to do as a job yet. The Winterbourne Witches are usually shown their destined profession within a dream that they refer to as an Illuminaire.
In Myrtle’s older sister’s special dream, she was shown she would be a baker. A Witch can have more than one occupation, but each is revealed to them in their own dream. Aunt Lola has had three different professions, and she explains them to Myrtle, she also informs her that she will be helping her set up her own business within the grounds of Willow Tree Farm.
The story is told in what I would call a rather chatty, gossiping style, which works well with the character. This novella sets the scene well for the series, and gives you little clues at what is to come next. I have seen the labels of cosy mystery, contemporary fantasy listed on Amazon which are fair labels and describe the feel of the book quite well.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were that it was a lighter, cosier type of read than my normal choice.....good short read.
To sum up I enjoyed the short, light read and it has left me wondering what is to come from the series.
January 25, 2021
I don't do book reviews
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
May 1, 2022
This novella created in 38 pages, was an absolute waste of time. It does introduce us to the many sisters, cousins, aunts, etc that live in the strange house. However, there was very little purpose, for any of them. Finally, as we think we may or may not learn more about their next venture. The book ends. Not a cliffhanger because this reader was waiting for something to happen from the earliest pages.
October 21, 2020
A cute short witchie story
This is a cute short story about a long line of witches and a very special house that promises more. I love houses that have history and character and Willow Tree Farm is certainly the place I'd love to read more about, having enjoyed those glimpses of history the author shared with us on the pages of this short novella.
This is a cute short story about a long line of witches and a very special house that promises more. I love houses that have history and character and Willow Tree Farm is certainly the place I'd love to read more about, having enjoyed those glimpses of history the author shared with us on the pages of this short novella.
October 28, 2020
Magic with a hint of spice
This short story, the premise to the Winterbourne Witches series is really promising, introducing interesting characters and a funny occurrences.
The idea of the Willow Tree Farm having a mind of its own is one of the best focus points of this novella.
These new series are now atop of my reading list.
This short story, the premise to the Winterbourne Witches series is really promising, introducing interesting characters and a funny occurrences.
The idea of the Willow Tree Farm having a mind of its own is one of the best focus points of this novella.
These new series are now atop of my reading list.
September 2, 2021
Willow Tree and its occupants
A witch story with a difference. There are elements that are similar to other stories about witches but there are many elements that are different, not annoyingly different but nice different.
The narrator has a quirky way of relating what was happening that made me want to hear all the stories that were 'for another time'.
A witch story with a difference. There are elements that are similar to other stories about witches but there are many elements that are different, not annoyingly different but nice different.
The narrator has a quirky way of relating what was happening that made me want to hear all the stories that were 'for another time'.
November 7, 2023
The writing was great easy to read flows well I wish there was dialogue relating to what I presumed was about the house from how it first starts off. The story lost me the moment weight from an aunt came in to discussion about the two young daughters for such a cosy read it quickly left a cold sour taste behind.
December 2, 2023
An introductory, 90-minute T&YA short read. This title introduces a family of witches and their home: Willow, a sentient building. Perhaps worth reading if you plan to read more of the series.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
October 25, 2020
Enjoyed the novella and I am !looking forward to the continuing saga of the characters
Absolutely fascinating story.😘 loved it. Recommend more stories from the willow farm. The Winterbournes are unique and the author makes you believe in the storyline
Absolutely fascinating story.😘 loved it. Recommend more stories from the willow farm. The Winterbournes are unique and the author makes you believe in the storyline
August 1, 2021
Willow Tree Farm
This is a pleasant, easy read. I shall look for the full story, and others, shortly. Unfortunately, life forces me to delay visiting my favorite bookstore at this time...
This is a pleasant, easy read. I shall look for the full story, and others, shortly. Unfortunately, life forces me to delay visiting my favorite bookstore at this time...
October 28, 2020
Cute story but in need of editing. Too many thoughts, characters, and asides. But I love the house. Willow was my favorite part.
January 3, 2021
A great read
Fantastic introduction to this wonderful.eccentric family of witches can't wait to read how they get on in cinnamon grove ,
Fantastic introduction to this wonderful.eccentric family of witches can't wait to read how they get on in cinnamon grove ,
March 23, 2021
Just enough
A three as this just whetted my curiosity to read the full book. Could go either way, could be a mistake or joyous
A three as this just whetted my curiosity to read the full book. Could go either way, could be a mistake or joyous
June 16, 2021
Different
This is a quick little read. It took about twenty minutes total. It was nice. And it was different. Not really enough to decide if I like it or not.
This is a quick little read. It took about twenty minutes total. It was nice. And it was different. Not really enough to decide if I like it or not.
October 29, 2021
Oh to be a witch
What fun this story Is. Wouldn't you live to have not only a family of witches to watch over you but a house as well?! Can't wait to read on
What fun this story Is. Wouldn't you live to have not only a family of witches to watch over you but a house as well?! Can't wait to read on
November 1, 2021
Finding your destiny
Was a great short novella into this wonderful witch family. I could picture each character and enjoyed the story of each to bring them alive.
Was a great short novella into this wonderful witch family. I could picture each character and enjoyed the story of each to bring them alive.
April 24, 2022
Cute prequel
This was a cute introduction to the series. I’m looking forward to learning more about the Winterbourne witches and their home, Willow.
This was a cute introduction to the series. I’m looking forward to learning more about the Winterbourne witches and their home, Willow.
July 1, 2023
A fun little story
The author created an interesting and unique plot to go with a interesting group of characters making this hard to put down
The author created an interesting and unique plot to go with a interesting group of characters making this hard to put down
October 5, 2023
This is a sweet little story that leaves you wanting more. It was a great way to introduce the family of witches and makes you want to read the next book.
December 29, 2023
Nice little short read to help me with my reading goal
December 2, 2024
Cute little witchy story. Think I like the house the most
January 1, 2025
Interesting novella
It has potential. I realized after starting this that it's part of a series. I'll be reading more in this series.
It has potential. I realized after starting this that it's part of a series. I'll be reading more in this series.
January 13, 2025
2.25
Lost me completely with the fat shaming.
Lost me completely with the fat shaming.
October 22, 2025
1.75
Glad it was just a novella
Glad it was just a novella
October 27, 2025
Cute story
I thought it was a very cute story. Sad it was a short one. It had quickly gotten my attention and I really didn't think it would. Glad I clicked on it!
I thought it was a very cute story. Sad it was a short one. It had quickly gotten my attention and I really didn't think it would. Glad I clicked on it!
November 23, 2025
should have been the first few chapters of a novel rather than its own novella.
did not care for the story nor to read any more.
did not care for the story nor to read any more.
Read
November 7, 2020Lovely mysterious read
Really enjoy this novella, great characters but I loved Willow the conscious house, very creative writing, fun, mysterious and majesty want to read more of it.
Really enjoy this novella, great characters but I loved Willow the conscious house, very creative writing, fun, mysterious and majesty want to read more of it.
March 6, 2021
Review to come
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews