HISTORICAL THRILLER
The Widow of Hartforde
Before there was Salem, there was Hartforde
By J.F. Baker
A chilling historical horror novel of witch trials, survival, and the true monster hiding among us.
PAPERBACK
E-BOOK
A chilling historical horror novel of witch trials, survival, and the true monster hiding among us.
Connecticut Colony, 1662
During a midnight witch trial, an unsettlingly woman confesses to making a pact with the Devil—after encountering a terrifying beast in the woods. Her words send a shiver through newcomer Rebecca Easton. She’s seen that creature too.
But when Rebecca dares to speak the truth, suspicion turns on her. Accusations fly. The townspeople whisper. And now, she too is facing the judge.
To save her, Rebecca’s husband Caleb—Hartforde’s devout reverend—strikes a horrifying bargain: the beast will be found before sunrise… or Rebecca will hang.
As Rebecca leads the search party into the dark forest to chase down danger, Caleb uncovers a deeper, deadlier secret—one that exposes the judge’s hidden agenda and forces the town to confront the real evil lurking behind the witch hunts.
A gripping standalone for fans of The Witch, Year of Wonders, and dark historical fiction with a supernatural twist.
Combining folklore, feminist horror, and true events from one of America’s earliest witch trials, this novel delivers atmospheric suspense, richly layered characters, and a haunting mystery that won’t let go.
ISBN: 979-8998991318
Publish Date: August 30, 2025
Pages: 348 pages
Size: 5.5 x 0.87 x 8.5 inches
Weight: 14.3 ounces
“The Widow of Hartforde” by JF Baker receives 5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence!
“The Widow of Hartforde” by JF Baker is an incredible read that weaves witchcraft and religion together with human nature at its best and its worst. Combined with Baker’s fast paced and gripping writing style, the reader is in for an unforgettable and poignant return to the American colonies of the 1660s, with a narrative that will leave much to reflect on.
The Historical Fiction Company
“Full of cinematic flair, this is a fast-paced read with twists and chills. New England’s rich history of witch trials is put to great use here, and J.F. Baker leans into it with creativity and canny twists. The book is one to be devoured in as few sittings as
Independent Book Review
possible.“
Independent Book Review lists THE WIDOW OF HARTFORDE to “The Best Books We Read in 2025” list!
A Haunting Journey Through Fear, Suspicion, and Survival
“The mix of history and horror kept me turning pages, and the ending left me haunted. The witch trial setting felt vivid and tense, while Rebecca’s struggle pulled me in from the beginning.”
— Chad B on Amazon
Good fall/witchy read
“Super chilling! Not giving anything away, but the judge character was insanely spooky! Good read going into fall.”
— MomofTwo1979 on Amazon
Meet the Author
J.F. Baker
J.F. Baker (née Jennifer Fickley-Baker) is the author of THE WIDOW OF HARTFORDE. She is also the author of: THE BROTHERS DRAGON middle-grade fantasy series; and the short stories “The Tiny Kitchen Witch: A Modern-Day Fairy Tale”; “The Haunting at Darlington Boardwalk”; “Extinct Things”; and “The Blue Book Watchers.” She’s also a 2025 International Book Award Winner for the Romance category.
Baker worked as a writer and editor for Disney Parks for 19 years. She earned an MA in Creative Writing from Harvard University in 2022. She was born in Pittsburgh and fell in love with stories before she could read by listening to books on tape.
Foxburg & Stern Books 