The Witch of Tin Mountain

Rating: 4 out of 5

"For it is a small leap from cunning woman to witch in the eyes of many."

"Why is it that most of a woman's troubles in life have to do with a man?"

Blood and power bind three generations of women in the Ozark Mountains. So does an evil that's followed them across the decades. In 1931, Gracelynn lives peacefully on Tin Mountain, helping her adoptive granny work her cures. Despite whispers that the women are witches, the superstitious locals still seek them out, whether to remedy arthritis or a broken heart. But when evangelist Josiah Bellflower comes to town promising miracle healing, full bellies, and prosperity, his revivals soon hold Tin Mountain in thrall-- and Granny in abject fear. Granny recognizes Josiah. Fifty years ago, in a dark and desperate moment, she made a terrible promise. Now Josiah, an enemy, has returned to collect his due. As Granny sickens and the drought-ridden countryside falls under a curse, Gracelynn must choose: flee Tin Mountain and the only family she knows, or confront the vengeful preacher whose unholy mission is to destroy her.

I thought this book had a super interesting concept and honestly the first half of the summary gave me Practical Magic vibes. The book starts 100 years before all the events that are going to unfold in the story, here we get some insight into the witch, Anneliese, whose importance becomes clearer throughout the narrative. We occasionally get a break in the story that provides more of her perspective. I personally think, at least for me, having more of this third story line would have provided what I was missing from this novel.

Gracelynn and Deirdre's stories unfold as both women are faced with a man who seeks to drive the town to destroy them; unless they give him what he wants. Both women handle the situations in vastly different ways and eventually we see how their stories align. I felt that some of the "big reveals" in this book were obvious where others felt a tad forced. The book is spooky inits own right, but the magic and haunted element, didn't come across as strongly as I would have liked for them to. Instead the story reads more as one of morality and good versus evil; but only when it's helpful to further the plot.

Overall, I would have liked more of Anneliese's story and for it to feel like the three narratives tied together a bit better than they did. I also would have enjoyed more focus on magic; but I think the book has amazingly strong women and strong themes which require you to think about things like morality.

"What is the difference between good and evil? Truly? It's all a matter of perception. Every bit of it. Wars. Plagues. Famine. Saints and sinners. Angels and demons."