Published by St-Martin’s Press in 2023, Hart’s debut novel is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audiobook, as well as at your local libraries, and through the Libby App.

The saying: never to judge a book by its cover is fitting for this book’s cover, which will draw readers in with its beautiful design. However, the book sorely lacks multiple trigger warnings, such as but not limited to: graphic rape, domestic abuse, forced hysterectomy, suicidal thoughts, and attempts, as well as pregnancy, unplanned, and stillborn, and more. The worst imaginable way a man can treat a woman is in there.

Hart’s story spans over three generations of women. Kate, 2019, escapes an abusive relationship and finds herself at her aunt’s cottage, where she discovers the Weyward women. Violet, WWII, wants to study like her brothers, but her father expects her to be the dutiful daughter. Until her cousin Frederick comes for a visit and grooms her. Altha, 1619, is persecuted for witchcraft when a local man is stampeded to death by cows. These women, separated by time, are bound by blood. 

Unfortunately, Hart’s execution fails to deliver the power the story deserves. The mediocre writing, rhythmic, shallow plotlines strip away all nuance, and the recurring abuse theme in each storyline, under the guise of feminism and empowerment, is frustrating and unconvincing. Making it impossible to recommend this book as your next read. As for stars, .5 is all it merits.