Isobel lives in Scotland - a descendant of her namesake living in 1662 and who was labeled a witch.

Isobel sees colors which is called synesthesia, and her mother tells her she must see everything in black and white or they will label her a witch like her grandmother.

Isobel is an excellent seamstress and stitches beautiful scenes on clothing.  She marries an apothecary, but he gets into trouble, and they sail to America.

She arrives in Salem determined to use her skill to become independent because her husband took a job on the very boat they came over on.  She will live alone in a remote cottage.

While her husband is away, she meets none other than Nathaniel Hawthorn. Yes. The author of THE SCARLET  LETTER. 

Since her marriage is not filled with love, when she sees Nathaniel she gets an instant feeling that they will become friends.

Do they become friends or lovers? 

She is married, and he is not.

Will one of the hidden A’s she sews into her clothing be something she will have to prominently display?

HESTER is a beautifully written book focusing on women’s strengths and a take on The Scarlet Letter.

Seamstresses, fans of The Scarlet Letter, historical fiction fans, and fans of this time period will enjoy this book despite some of the odd chapters about witches.  4/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

My book club had a great discussion about this book--about women's power and how we shape it to fit the contours of the people in our lives and the society we live in--whatever era it may be.