This was a really delightful historical novel with beautiful writing! The protagonist, Isobel, provided an interesting perspective, as her synesthesia produced splashes of color that decorated her narration. The author explored themes of misogyny, racism, and xenophobia in nineteenth century America while weaving in tales of the persecution of "witches" throughout the ages.

I really enjoyed the affair plotline. Isobel grappling with conflicting feelings of empowerment (pursuing the man who she wants despite society viewing that act as sinful) and degradation (that man not being able to fully understand her, and reducing her to a thing to be pursued, rather than an equal) provides an interesting conflict for the middle of the book. I think that it was a really well resolved conflict. 

My only qualm with this book is that the beginning is rather weak - there isn't much of a plot until Edward leaves Salem with Isobel's money, which doesn't happen until about a third of the way through the book.