Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from Lone Star Literary in exchange for my honest review.

To Rescue a Witch by Lisa A. Traugott is a compelling historical fiction novel. The book is based in the Virginia Colony in the 1700s. The book takes us on the journey through the life of a barrister, William MacLeod, as he sets out on a voyage to retrieve Annaliese, the daughter of an aristocrat in London. During his travels, William encounters fights, a choppy sea, a rambunctious nine-year-old, and pushback from members on the voyage with him. In London, secrets start to unravel as the wife of the aristocrat starts digging for information and Fiona, William’s wife, awaits her husband’s return. You can’t trust everyone. Will William make it home to his wife and family, or die trying to deliver the girl?

Lisa A Traugott did a fantastic job with the writing of To Rescue a Witch. The book starts with the perspective of Annaliese at her current home with her Pa and brother. The book then transitions to William serving justice on a ship practicing illegal activities. We then see Lord Hallewell ask William to retrieve his daughter Annaliese and former mistress Eleanor and bring them to London. William agrees and starts work to begin his long journey. The chapters alternate between the perspectives of William, Annaliese, Lady Margaret, Lord Percy, and Fiona. Each chapter allows the reader to view each character’s story told from their perspective. The author does a phenomenal job with the language, character development, research, and building of the plot. To Rescue a Witch is filled with drama, action, secrets, family, relationships, and a lot of shocking twists. There was a point in this novel my jaw was dropped open in shock because of the plot turns. The emotional connection, and the reactions I felt to each character enhanced my reading experiences as the plot thickened and the story continued to develop.

Overall, this is one of the best historical fictions I have read. As a history major, I loved the details and the time the author spent researching to ensure accuracy. I also loved the variety of the text styles between different narrators, perspectives, and the journal entries. I read this book in one sitting because it was so captivating, I could not put it down.

I recommend this book for adults who are interested in a thoroughly-researched and well-developed historical fiction novel.