this really couldn’t have been a more perfect read for september. dark and spooky woods, witchcraft, ravens. while it wasn’t a long book it did take me awhile to finish on account of it being paced so slow for me. it felt like not a lot happened for a majority of the book and i found myself only reading a chapter or two each night.

the story itself isn’t bad though. set in the 1880’s, a young woman is on the run from a crime she did not commit but then collides with her would be savior as she tries to make her escape from the town’s constable. and to somehow make matters worse, he agrees to help her if she could just pretend to be his wife. from there we learn bits and pieces of the truth surrounding the woman she is pretending to be and the man who calls himself her husband.

the undeniable chemistry between the main characters, luna and marcus greybourne, kept me engaged enough to see this whole thing through. though i honestly think a little more interaction between them would have been an added benefit to the story. it did pick up for me about halfway through the book with the plot twists and my half cooked theories being proven wrong. with that said, this was a decent read. not bad, but not great. a nice little gothic mystery if you’re looking for something to break up your longer reads.

tysm to netgalley & boldwood books for the arc ◡̈

This is a perfect quick read for Autumn, and for spooky season in particular! It has a historical setting and includes paranormal, gothic, romance and mystery elements.

At less than 300 pages, it's a quick and absorbing read and I read it all in one evening. It wastes no time getting into the action and I really enjoyed the pace. I did guess the twists but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story at all. It was atmospheric, at times a bit creepy, and I did like the romance but Marcus was away for a chunk of the book, so it could have pushed the paranormal/gothic and romance elements a bit further for me. I think because of the length, there wasn't any fluff or filler in the book, which created a tight narrative, but I would have liked to spend a bit more time with Luna and Marcus.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.

My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this novel.

This is a story about things real and imagined, about magic dark and light, death of the self and self invention, truth and untruth, love and hate. At its heart is a mad wife, Luna Greybourne, whose unfathomable ways have made her out to be the Ravenswood Witch of the title. Like Jane Eyre’s mad wife in the attic, she torments her husband and his household, and especially the woman who comes to heal her husband’s heart. In other words, all the elements of the gothic novel are here. Ravenswood House is a once impressive, now deteriorating estate long held by the Greybourne family, at the edge of a small Sussex village, surrounded by woods once populated by great flocks of ravens believed to be its protectors. Curiously, since they are often portrayed as witchs’ familiars, the ravens were killed by the witch herself. It is 1885. Although witches have not been put to death for two centuries, there are many in Queen Victoria’s bustling Britain who still believe, still fear, and can easily be persuaded to persecute those they think are practitioners.

Although Luna Greybourne is on every page, she is not the terrible Ravenswood Witch, who has gone missing before the first page. A young woman running away from her own village in hopes of hiding in London has a literal collision with Marcus Greybourne, the witch’s husband, on her way to the London train. He falls on her and breaks her ankle. Within minutes, he has surmised that she is being pursued by the law, and a bargain is struck in very few words. Petrified, penniless and now injured, she needs protection. He needs her to be his missing wife. She becomes Luna. But this is a sane and loving Luna who repents her earlier malevolence and abuse, now attributed to an addiction to laudanum, an all too common ‘ladies’ medication for the ‘nerves’ believed to cause women much suffering.

There are many twists and turns regarding the real Luna and the substitute Luna, who feels the mad wife’s presence, has visions of her and night terrors about her. She also fears being caught, despite the fact that Marcus is committed to the charade and even those who know—the husband and wife who are the only remaining servants—are equally so. And there is the question about where the real Mrs Greybourne has gone, and what her husband may have to do with it. He was desperate enough to take in and protect a stranger with a past to which she has only alluded. Was he desperate enough to have killed her?

The novel, as historical romance and gothic mystery, offers much in the way of intriguing storytelling, with little of what seems evident actually coming to pass. It is very well written and suspenseful. At times Marcus’s determined charade seems a bit of a stretch, but the author keeps coming back to the notion that our own beliefs have the power to make things happen, and he and ‘Luna’ exemplify this view. I also wanted to believe, and ultimately found the story and its resolution very compelling.

The Ravenswood Witch is a gothic tale set in 1885, where mystery, witchcraft, and romance intertwine in the crumbling Ravenswood Hall. The story follows a young woman on the run, who assumes the identity of Luna Greybourne, Marcus Greybourne’s missing wife, in exchange for sanctuary.
As eerie messages and supernatural events unfold, Luna discovers not everything at Ravenswood is as it seems!

The spooky setting is perfect for current autumnal weather we are having - the perfect read in front of an open fire.

This book is ideal for fans of gothic mysteries and light supernatural stories, especially for those who enjoy a cosy autumn read with a sprinkling of romance and witchcraft.

A wonderful and atmospheric read for the fall. I especially enjoyed it as it was also historical fiction. My only complaint is that it seemed to lag a bit and I had a hard time wanting to keep reading. I do believe many readers would enjoy it however, I personally enjoy something a little more fast paced. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

The Ravenswood Witch is set in 1885, the story follows a young woman on the run, falsely accused of murder. Just as she nears safety, she breaks her ankle and is rescued by Marcus Greybourne, who convinces the local constable that she is his reclusive wife, Luna. This sets the stage for a tale filled with mystery, witchcraft, and eerie happenings at the crumbling Ravenswood Hall.

The atmosphere of the novel tries to be gothic, but I felt it just didn't quite hit the mark being very cliché and not overly frightening or foreboding. The character of Bran, the talking raven, was a unique and interesting addition, adding both wisdom and drama to the story.

However, I felt that the plot was a bit predictable at times, and some of the twists didn’t quite land for me. The pacing also felt uneven, with some parts dragging while others rushed through important developments. The romance between the protagonist and Marcus was sweet, but it felt somewhat forced and lacked depth.

The exploration of witchcraft and the superstitions of the time added an interesting layer to the narrative.

An unknown woman on the run. A mysterious man by the riverside. A fortuitous meeting in the night that provides a cover for both their secrets.

The premise of The Ravenswood Witch is full of spooky potential - the setting, the secrets, the suspicious villagers full of superstition. Witchcraft and the occult. If a classic cosy autumn spooky read is what you're after this October then this delivers in spades.

For me though, I wanted something a bit more original and it's a shame that this novel couldn't deliver the road less travelled with this starting point. What follows is a largely predictable plot, cardboard cut-out characters and nothing strikingly original to set it apart from other novels of this kind.

The dual POV was a nice touch and the little twist with these that I did not see coming was absolutely refreshing and jogged me out of the viewpoints I was harbouring about certain characters.


The writing was nice enough but the pacing was uneven - the first two thirds quite slow and all the action in the last third. It didn't need to be this long. The final reveal was anti-climatic at best and did nothing new or exciting and the tying up of loose ends was rushed and badly developed.

Overall it was fine, but I was hoping for something less run-of-the-mill.

A woman on the run bumps into Marcus Greybourne on his vast estate. Quickly the pair realize they can mutually benefit from one another. Marcus offers her a safe haven in exchange for the woman to assume his late wife’s identity, Luna. Luna takes on the role of lady of the house while Marcus is away securing investments and learns that all is not what it seems at Ravenswood. Messages from the prior Lady Greybourne appear in the walls and her face floats ominously outside the current Luna’s bedroom window. Despite her challenges, Luna comes to love Ravenswood and its mysterious owner Marcus.

The Ravenswood Witch was a really fun, delightful read. The touch of mystery kept me turning page after page (metaphorically since this was an e-ARC) wanting to know what would happen next. I could easily see this book being shelved under cozy fantasy. The plot was moderately predictable, though that didn’t always take away from my overall enjoyment. The plot at the end of the book felt weak and a little too much “happily ever after” when compared to the effort put into character development between Eloise’s/Luna’s shifting perspectives and the struggles the women originally faced. Overall this was an amusing read and I found it satisfying getting to know the characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an e-ARC of The Ravenswood Witch in exchange for my honest opinions and review.

“They were lost in their own troubles but lost together.”

This is overall an enjoyable and easy read. The biggest plot twist for me was realizing “Luna” is in fact Rose and not Eloise. Up until that point, I had a hard time reconciling with the main character. I didn’t fall in love with any of the chapter development’s throughout the story, but I also couldn’t piece together how the story would eventually come together, so I had to keep reading to find out. The author did a beautiful job of foreshadowing to keep me reading.

It is a beautiful setting and I think anyone who enjoys a gothic mystery would enjoy this.

However, I wish that the author would have made the MMC less condescending to the FMC. I understand that women had little rights during this time period, but I don’t think some of the patronizing dialogue was needed. It just added to my very neutral feelings toward him.

Thank you to the publisher, the author and NetGalley for this ARC. A fabulous story from beginning to end which had me engaged the entire way. I loved Bran (I wish he was my pet Raven) and I loved the developing love story. Always a fan of a witchy story too, it was brilliant.

Hey Book Besties,
I have another great spooky season arc for you, and just look at that gorgeous cover!

I really enjoyed this book. It's a Gothic mystery blended with the paranormal and some romance. And it worked beautifully.

The setting was absolutely perfect! A run-down Gothic home in 1885 right on the edge of the woods.
It's very moody and atmospheric with witchcraft and ominous weather that adds such a tone to the story.

The characters jump off the page and are so interesting and well fleshed out. I loved the two timelines that run through the novel, but not all is as straightforward as it seems. There are time shifts and plot twists and a mystery to solve along with the touching romance between Luna and Marcus.

I would recommend you get cozy and settle down with this novel, which is perfect for the fall season. You won't be able to put it down.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgally for my copy. My review was voluntary.

🍂“The Ravenswood Witch” set in the turbulent year of 1885, contains a gripping tale of deception and dark intrigue. The story begins with a young woman fleeing from a murder charge, only to find herself caught in a web of lies spun by the enigmatic Marcus Greybourne. After a fateful accident, Greybourne persuades the local townspeople to believe she is his long-lost wife, Luna, thereby offering her sanctuary at the eerie Ravenswood Hall.

🍂The book manages to intertwine gothic horror with psychological suspense as the protagonist takes the identity of Luna Greybourne. Ravenswood Hall, a decaying mansion steeped in mystery, becomes a character in its own right, its oppressive atmosphere mirroring the protagonist's psychological struggles . The author's vivid descriptions of the haunted house and its sinister past creates a perfect world where reality blurs with the supernatural.

🍂The subplot of the missing Luna Greybourne and her alleged witchcraft adds layers of intrigue and tension. The interplay between the protagonist's growing fear and the enigmatic history of the real Luna really kept me on edge .

🍂This book represents the perfect read for this autumn.

Rating:4/5⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book. The Ravenswood Witch is an enjoyable, light, read that is perfect for the Halloween season. It is a cozy, twisty, gothic with romance, murder, ghosts, witchcraft, and insanity, oh my! Don't miss this one. this Autumn. 3.5 stars

Perfect autumnal reading in the run up to Halloween. The gothic threads with links to the atmospheric Jane Eyre worked well in this creepy tale of betrayal, lies and rumours of witchcraft. Escaping from the police Luna found herself in a, secluded household with disturbing decor and noises. The unease and distrust of the residents added to the tension.
Jenni Keer's writing captivated me as I needed to find out why and how the truth of Marcus's true wife would be revealed.

The gothic atmosphere in the book felt forced and awkward. The book seemed to want to capture both the horror and edgy aesthetic while aiming to be a cozy fall novel. The dialogue was okay. I appreciated how the author tried to stay true to the period, but I didn’t feel immersed. Something was missing. There was no chemistry between the characters, especially the main ones. The mystery dragged on. I went into it blind. I thought the focus would be on the witch and was disappointed, but that’s just me.

I really liked this story.

we follow 'Luna' who, whilst running away from her past meets Marcus who is also in a bit of a pickle. He Proposes a deal; Pretend to be his missing wife and he will keep her safe. She agrees and so starts our story.

This story is about love, facing our fears and redemption. The Characters were the best part of this book for me. They are wonderfully complex in the best of ways and likable even when flawed. The Romance is lovely and sweet and Marcus is a truly enticing MMC.
If you are a mood reader, this is perfect to read just after its release for October. Its got wonderfully cozy autumn witchy vibes with a dash of spooky thrown in.

The plot was interesting and pacing worked well.

Overall this was an enjoyable read I would recommend to anyone who enjoys witchy stories, wonderful characters and cute Romances.

It’s officially witchy season (or if you’re me that’s year round) and this was a great start to the season.

This is a bit of a slow-burn period piece, and anybody who knows me would automatically think yep that’s so not for KP. BUT I was invested the whole time, so I think that’s really saying something. The occasional flashback chapters helped keep things from getting too slow. Also, the entire last 20%ish was absolutely nonstop!!

I don’t think I had ANYTHING in this book figured out. It was all “figure-out-able” but I just didn’t have it. And that’s my favorite thing!!!! I want it to be solvable but if I’ve solved it then it’s too easy! So this was perfect!

This was definitely a solid read outside of something that I would typically like.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest rating and review.

Jenni Keer's "The Ravenswood Witch" is an exciting gothic tale perfect for the spooky season.
This was a book that i looked forward to going back to, i didn’t want to stop reading. At no point did it lull for me.
Set in late 19th century rural England, it weaves witchcraft, mystery, and the paranormal together with romance thrown in to round it out nicely. The story centers on a woman who, fleeing from a grave injustice, assumes the identity of Luna Greybourne, the infamous Ravenswood Witch.

Keer constructs an atmospheric setting that feels almost tangible. The dilapidated manor, the dense, whispering woods, and the sense of foreboding drew me into a world where the past and present collide. The descriptive detail makes the gothic ambiance of Ravenswood come alive, bringing about even more suspense and mystery.

As the new lady of the house ,Luna navigates her new identity. Dealing with the harsh judgment of the townsfolk and the many ghosts in her life, she finds herself drawn to Marcus, the man she calls her husband, whom she knows very little about.The twist, revealed about halfway through,took me for a loop, and shifted the story in a way that I’d never have expected, but had me glued to the story.

The romance that develops between Luna and Marcus Greybourne adds a touching layer to the story. It’s a relationship forged in the midst of secrets and despair, and offers a feeling of hope and love to the otherwise dark and unsettling atmosphere. Their evolving connection has such tenderness and depth, and I enjoyed watching the relationship blossom.

"The Ravenswood Witch" is more than just a tale of the supernatural ; it’s a beautifully written exploration of fear, identity, and redemption. Jenni Keer’s descriptive, well balanced prose and compelling characters make this book such a fun and memorable experience. Fans of gothic fiction and paranormal romance will find much to admire in this thrilling and atmospheric story.

I was in a bit of a reading rut so I turned to this dark witchy mystery complete with a fake dating trope and an unreliable narrator. This was exactly what I needed! I couldn’t put this down and loved every page of it. It was giving Rebecca meets Mexican Gothic with a sprinkle of witchcraft, in the best way possible.

A great book for autumn! It was fast-paced, a little dark, sprinkled with romance, & not what you expect. I was hooked from the beginning with all its well written characters. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy!