What do you think?
Rate this book
Bittersweet in the Hollow #1
Bittersweet in the Hollow
In this beautifully dark and enthralling YA, four sisters with unusual talents investigate a mysterious disappearance in their secluded Appalachian town. For fans of House of Hollow and Wilder Girls!
In rural Caball Hollow, surrounded by the vast National Forest, the James women serve up more than fried green tomatoes at the Harvest Moon diner, where the family recipes are not the only secrets.
Like her sisters, Linden was born with an unusual ability. She can taste what others are feeling, but this so-called gift soured her relationship with the vexingly attractive Cole Spencer one fateful night a year ago . . . A night when Linden vanished into the depths of the Forest and returned with no memories of what happened, just a litany of questions--and a haze of nightmares that suggest there's more to her story than simply getting lost.
Now, during the hottest summer on record, another girl in town is gone, and the similarities to last year's events are striking. Except, this time the missing girl doesn't make it home, and when her body is discovered, the scene unmistakably spells murder.
As tempers boil over, Linden enlists the help of her sisters to find what's hiding in the forest . . . before it finds her. But as she starts digging for truth--about the Moth-Winged Man rumored to haunt the Hollow, about her bitter rift with Cole, and even about her family--she must question if some secrets are best left buried.
In rural Caball Hollow, surrounded by the vast National Forest, the James women serve up more than fried green tomatoes at the Harvest Moon diner, where the family recipes are not the only secrets.
Like her sisters, Linden was born with an unusual ability. She can taste what others are feeling, but this so-called gift soured her relationship with the vexingly attractive Cole Spencer one fateful night a year ago . . . A night when Linden vanished into the depths of the Forest and returned with no memories of what happened, just a litany of questions--and a haze of nightmares that suggest there's more to her story than simply getting lost.
Now, during the hottest summer on record, another girl in town is gone, and the similarities to last year's events are striking. Except, this time the missing girl doesn't make it home, and when her body is discovered, the scene unmistakably spells murder.
As tempers boil over, Linden enlists the help of her sisters to find what's hiding in the forest . . . before it finds her. But as she starts digging for truth--about the Moth-Winged Man rumored to haunt the Hollow, about her bitter rift with Cole, and even about her family--she must question if some secrets are best left buried.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2023
230 people are currently reading
39366 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,027 reviews
January 3, 2024
This dark fantasy world intricately weaves a web of mystery and suspense, enveloping a small town where missing teenagers become enshrouded in the secrets buried deep within the surrounding forest. The narrative unfolds with a palpable tension, each page filled with an escalating thrill that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Amidst the enigma, the story delves into the profound connection the sisters share with the earth and their innate witchy powers, making them outsiders in a town that fails to comprehend their true nature. A touch of enchanting magical realism further embellishes this whodunit mystery, transporting readers into a realm where the lines between reality and the fantastical blur.
At the heart of the tale are the four formidable James sisters, possessing extraordinary abilities that set them apart. With their dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and unwavering independence, these powerful teenagers reside in the Appalachian town of Caball Hollow, nestled amidst the untamed beauty of West Virginia's National Forest. Their lives are entwined with their traditional family business—the local diner called Harvest Moon, where their grandmother and mother toil away, crafting mouth-watering Southern delicacies that ignite cravings at the mere thought. The vivid descriptions of delectable dishes such as biscuits, pies, muffins, and honeyed fried chicken evoke a sensory delight that leaves readers salivating.
Linden, the main protagonist, possesses the unique ability to taste people's emotions, granting her an intimate insight into their innermost feelings of sorrow, love, guilt, fear, and more. Her elder sister, Sorrel, possesses the extraordinary talent of charming bees to create honey that binds promises and strengthens spells. Rowan, another sister, possesses a keen sense of detecting lies, capable of distinguishing truth from falsehoods while transforming sour situations into sweet ones with her persuasive words. Lastly, Juniper's mystifying gift allows her to bridge the gap between this world and the next, granting her glimpses into realms unseen. However, burdened by the fear and misunderstanding that surrounds their magical abilities, the sisters conceal their true selves, choosing to exist in secrecy, shielded from the prying eyes of the gossiping townies.
Linden, haunted by a traumatic experience from a year ago when she wandered lost in the depths of the woods, grapples with the lingering shadows of that night. Fragmented memories and unexplained gaps in her recollection torment her, leaving her searching for answers. Unbeknownst to her, she was discovered in the very same place where Elam McCoy, a four-year-old who vanished decades ago, had disappeared without a trace. The parallels between their fates deepen the mystery surrounding her own plight. Complicating matters, Linden finds herself growing apart from Cole Spencer, the boy who had once gifted her the cherished blue bird pendant—a talisman that vanished on that fateful evening—while her affection for him remains steadfast.
However, fate has a way of intertwining lives, and when one of Linden's estranged friends, Delilah, goes missing on the anniversary of that haunting night, Linden's world spirals into chaos. Nightmares plague her, insomnia consumes her, and the whispers of the Moth-Winged Man—an urban legend associated with the string of disappearances—grow louder. Tragically, Delilah is not merely missing; she is discovered dead in the depths of the woods by Linden and Cole.
Driven by an insatiable need for answers, Linden embarks on a journey to unlock the fragments of her memory. Gradually, she comes to the chilling realization that the Moth-Winged Man may be more than just a figment of folklore. To unravel the mystery that binds her sisters, Delilah's murder, and the unresolved cold case of missing Elam McCoy she must confront her own fears and seek the truth buried within her past. Reluctantly, Linden sets aside her pride and forms an unlikely alliance with Cole Spencer, the boy who holds the key to unlocking her memories. Together, they delve into the enigmatic events of that haunting night, piecing together fragments of the puzzle that may hold the answers they seek.
As they dig deeper, Linden uncovers a web of secrets and hidden connections, not only within her own family but also within the history of the town itself. The intricate tapestry of Caball Hollow's past begins to unravel, revealing a dark underbelly and long-buried truths that have shaped the lives of its inhabitants. The more Linden and Cole uncover, the more perilous their journey becomes, for they realize they are not just unearthing the truth but also awakening something ancient and malevolent.
The revelations that unfold along their path leave Linden both shocked and breathless. The execution of the mystery is masterful, entwining the intricate history of the town and the secrets held by the James women in a seamless and captivating manner. Each revelation rocks Linden's world, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about herself, her family, and the place she calls home.
Amidst the heart-throbbing twists and turns, a tender love story blossoms amidst the darkness. The bond that forms between Linden and Cole deepens as they navigate the treacherous terrain of the mystery. Their connection provides solace and strength, grounding them in the face of unimaginable dangers.
This fast-paced and thrilling YA fantasy journey grips readers from the very first page and refuses to let go. The vivid imagery and evocative descriptions transport readers into a world where magic and reality intertwine, where the boundaries between the seen and the unseen blur. The palpable sense of danger and the relentless pursuit of truth keep readers eagerly turning the pages, desperate to uncover the final pieces of the puzzle.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this mesmerizing book to all lovers of mystery, fantasy, and romance. It is a captivating tale that will leave you breathless, your heart racing with each revelation.
My sincere gratitude goes to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP/Penguin Young Readers Group/G.P. Putnam's Sons for Young Readers for granting me the opportunity to delve into the digital reviewer copy of this extraordinary book. It has been an honor to experience the magic woven within its pages and share my honest thoughts on this remarkable journey of suspense and self-discovery.
medium.com
instagram
facebook
twitter
At the heart of the tale are the four formidable James sisters, possessing extraordinary abilities that set them apart. With their dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and unwavering independence, these powerful teenagers reside in the Appalachian town of Caball Hollow, nestled amidst the untamed beauty of West Virginia's National Forest. Their lives are entwined with their traditional family business—the local diner called Harvest Moon, where their grandmother and mother toil away, crafting mouth-watering Southern delicacies that ignite cravings at the mere thought. The vivid descriptions of delectable dishes such as biscuits, pies, muffins, and honeyed fried chicken evoke a sensory delight that leaves readers salivating.
Linden, the main protagonist, possesses the unique ability to taste people's emotions, granting her an intimate insight into their innermost feelings of sorrow, love, guilt, fear, and more. Her elder sister, Sorrel, possesses the extraordinary talent of charming bees to create honey that binds promises and strengthens spells. Rowan, another sister, possesses a keen sense of detecting lies, capable of distinguishing truth from falsehoods while transforming sour situations into sweet ones with her persuasive words. Lastly, Juniper's mystifying gift allows her to bridge the gap between this world and the next, granting her glimpses into realms unseen. However, burdened by the fear and misunderstanding that surrounds their magical abilities, the sisters conceal their true selves, choosing to exist in secrecy, shielded from the prying eyes of the gossiping townies.
Linden, haunted by a traumatic experience from a year ago when she wandered lost in the depths of the woods, grapples with the lingering shadows of that night. Fragmented memories and unexplained gaps in her recollection torment her, leaving her searching for answers. Unbeknownst to her, she was discovered in the very same place where Elam McCoy, a four-year-old who vanished decades ago, had disappeared without a trace. The parallels between their fates deepen the mystery surrounding her own plight. Complicating matters, Linden finds herself growing apart from Cole Spencer, the boy who had once gifted her the cherished blue bird pendant—a talisman that vanished on that fateful evening—while her affection for him remains steadfast.
However, fate has a way of intertwining lives, and when one of Linden's estranged friends, Delilah, goes missing on the anniversary of that haunting night, Linden's world spirals into chaos. Nightmares plague her, insomnia consumes her, and the whispers of the Moth-Winged Man—an urban legend associated with the string of disappearances—grow louder. Tragically, Delilah is not merely missing; she is discovered dead in the depths of the woods by Linden and Cole.
Driven by an insatiable need for answers, Linden embarks on a journey to unlock the fragments of her memory. Gradually, she comes to the chilling realization that the Moth-Winged Man may be more than just a figment of folklore. To unravel the mystery that binds her sisters, Delilah's murder, and the unresolved cold case of missing Elam McCoy she must confront her own fears and seek the truth buried within her past. Reluctantly, Linden sets aside her pride and forms an unlikely alliance with Cole Spencer, the boy who holds the key to unlocking her memories. Together, they delve into the enigmatic events of that haunting night, piecing together fragments of the puzzle that may hold the answers they seek.
As they dig deeper, Linden uncovers a web of secrets and hidden connections, not only within her own family but also within the history of the town itself. The intricate tapestry of Caball Hollow's past begins to unravel, revealing a dark underbelly and long-buried truths that have shaped the lives of its inhabitants. The more Linden and Cole uncover, the more perilous their journey becomes, for they realize they are not just unearthing the truth but also awakening something ancient and malevolent.
The revelations that unfold along their path leave Linden both shocked and breathless. The execution of the mystery is masterful, entwining the intricate history of the town and the secrets held by the James women in a seamless and captivating manner. Each revelation rocks Linden's world, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about herself, her family, and the place she calls home.
Amidst the heart-throbbing twists and turns, a tender love story blossoms amidst the darkness. The bond that forms between Linden and Cole deepens as they navigate the treacherous terrain of the mystery. Their connection provides solace and strength, grounding them in the face of unimaginable dangers.
This fast-paced and thrilling YA fantasy journey grips readers from the very first page and refuses to let go. The vivid imagery and evocative descriptions transport readers into a world where magic and reality intertwine, where the boundaries between the seen and the unseen blur. The palpable sense of danger and the relentless pursuit of truth keep readers eagerly turning the pages, desperate to uncover the final pieces of the puzzle.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this mesmerizing book to all lovers of mystery, fantasy, and romance. It is a captivating tale that will leave you breathless, your heart racing with each revelation.
My sincere gratitude goes to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP/Penguin Young Readers Group/G.P. Putnam's Sons for Young Readers for granting me the opportunity to delve into the digital reviewer copy of this extraordinary book. It has been an honor to experience the magic woven within its pages and share my honest thoughts on this remarkable journey of suspense and self-discovery.
medium.com
April 24, 2024
3,5/5
Świetny klimat i bardzo wciągająca fabuła, ale nie jestem fanką rozwiązania „zagadki”.
Świetny klimat i bardzo wciągająca fabuła, ale nie jestem fanką rozwiązania „zagadki”.
June 25, 2024
So what? So what if he's the Moth-Man? At least the Moth-Man has a job; at least he's useful to society!
This is going to my favorites of the year. It was wonderful, really.
Fast paced mystery, a perfect mix of souther gothic and whimsical, charming magic, with very nice a romance subplot that only falls second in line after the main focus being set on the family. There's little I enjoy reading about more than sisters, mothers, grandmothers and every women in a very special family.
This is not a very long book yet it made me care about not only the main character, but everyone in her family, side characters, the community she lives in and the folklore from which this story was pulled.
I'm very excited about the sequel, following another James' sister, and anything else Kate comes out with.
The James' girl after collecting grave dirt
Linden while her anxiety inducing lemon bars are cooking
Farm-boy in the forest playing the violin
Finding a perfect gift for the Moth-Man.
Dude waiting for the diner to re-open and order some pie
This is going to my favorites of the year. It was wonderful, really.
Fast paced mystery, a perfect mix of souther gothic and whimsical, charming magic, with very nice a romance subplot that only falls second in line after the main focus being set on the family. There's little I enjoy reading about more than sisters, mothers, grandmothers and every women in a very special family.
This is not a very long book yet it made me care about not only the main character, but everyone in her family, side characters, the community she lives in and the folklore from which this story was pulled.
I'm very excited about the sequel, following another James' sister, and anything else Kate comes out with.
The James' girl after collecting grave dirt
Linden while her anxiety inducing lemon bars are cooking
Farm-boy in the forest playing the violin
Finding a perfect gift for the Moth-Man.
Dude waiting for the diner to re-open and order some pie
December 21, 2023
No ciekawe jak ja teraz zasnę????
April 1, 2025
I found an audiobook copy of BITTERSWEET IN THE HOLLOW by Kate Pearsall on Libby. Read by Reagan Boggs. All views are mine.
"I don't care about your secrets" "And yet you seem to collect them."
"You might have people convinced you're all benevolent now, or whatever. But my Granny knew the old stories. Your people certainly used to hex."...
I cannot recommend enough that you listen to the audiobook for this one. The narrator is a perfect fit. The copy I listened to included a chapter from the next book, which I'm quite interested in. One of the predominant themes is the Mothman, an irl urban myth, which was both weird to read in a novel, and wonderfully meta. I also thought the use of this myth in the overarching narrative of a history of missing children in a quasi-magical community was a fitting and creepy choice.
A little slow, but winding and creepy, packed with sensory detail, and bustling with unpredictable secondary and primary characters, this one has its extremely fun moments.
Don't get too hung up on the plot, though, as its shape and pacing are odd. I had to reread material several times to keep track of what was happening among the three prongs of the plot. If you can, don't worry about these seeming distractions from the plot. It will all come together!
The trick to a good crust is cold butter, and to not fuss with it too much. This one flakes beneath my fork as I cut into it and bring a bite to my mouth. The strawberries are sweet with the taste of the sun, and rhubarb sparks bright and tart against my tongue. Yet that puckery tang is the same taste as worry.
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. The audiobook narrator, Reagan Boggs, is freaking brilliant. Her voice is completely addictive 😍 She really brings out the best of this manuscript.
2. The delivery of the first plot point is very exciting, good writing.
3. I love the modern witch tale that bends to include classic witch fare like the water test, town-wide suspicion... might we have a witch hunt in the future?
4. The whole cottage-core genre is very popular right now, and this is a perfect example. I've never read it before, but if it's slightly dark like this, it's for me!
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. This book is plot-weak. It's really soft. I keep having to re-listen to whole chapters to make sure I haven't forgotten to pick up plot points. The story is getting lost in the setting. I'm at a point in the story where someone has died, and yet I somehow missed it. Twice. And now I can't find what chapter it's in! How can such a huge plot point blend in so completely?
2. We grow most of what we sell here at The Harvest Moon. Sounds like a cult. I find the whole setting overly idyllic, but that adds to the creep factor.
3. The Moth-Wing Man element, which is reminiscent of what we know of as Mothman, is interesting, but it's kind of one too many balls in the air. Every time the author pulled that page-center, it bounced all over the place. I was like, oh yeah, we have this to deal with too, don't we?
Rating: 🥐🥐🥐🥐 /5 homemade breads
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Jul 12 '24
Format: Audiobook, Libby
Read this book if you like:
🧙 fantasy & magical realism
🏡 cottage core
👻 urban legends
🌿 witchcraft
"I don't care about your secrets" "And yet you seem to collect them."
"You might have people convinced you're all benevolent now, or whatever. But my Granny knew the old stories. Your people certainly used to hex."...
I cannot recommend enough that you listen to the audiobook for this one. The narrator is a perfect fit. The copy I listened to included a chapter from the next book, which I'm quite interested in. One of the predominant themes is the Mothman, an irl urban myth, which was both weird to read in a novel, and wonderfully meta. I also thought the use of this myth in the overarching narrative of a history of missing children in a quasi-magical community was a fitting and creepy choice.
A little slow, but winding and creepy, packed with sensory detail, and bustling with unpredictable secondary and primary characters, this one has its extremely fun moments.
Don't get too hung up on the plot, though, as its shape and pacing are odd. I had to reread material several times to keep track of what was happening among the three prongs of the plot. If you can, don't worry about these seeming distractions from the plot. It will all come together!
The trick to a good crust is cold butter, and to not fuss with it too much. This one flakes beneath my fork as I cut into it and bring a bite to my mouth. The strawberries are sweet with the taste of the sun, and rhubarb sparks bright and tart against my tongue. Yet that puckery tang is the same taste as worry.
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. The audiobook narrator, Reagan Boggs, is freaking brilliant. Her voice is completely addictive 😍 She really brings out the best of this manuscript.
2. The delivery of the first plot point is very exciting, good writing.
3. I love the modern witch tale that bends to include classic witch fare like the water test, town-wide suspicion... might we have a witch hunt in the future?
4. The whole cottage-core genre is very popular right now, and this is a perfect example. I've never read it before, but if it's slightly dark like this, it's for me!
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. This book is plot-weak. It's really soft. I keep having to re-listen to whole chapters to make sure I haven't forgotten to pick up plot points. The story is getting lost in the setting. I'm at a point in the story where someone has died, and yet I somehow missed it. Twice. And now I can't find what chapter it's in! How can such a huge plot point blend in so completely?
2. We grow most of what we sell here at The Harvest Moon. Sounds like a cult. I find the whole setting overly idyllic, but that adds to the creep factor.
3. The Moth-Wing Man element, which is reminiscent of what we know of as Mothman, is interesting, but it's kind of one too many balls in the air. Every time the author pulled that page-center, it bounced all over the place. I was like, oh yeah, we have this to deal with too, don't we?
Rating: 🥐🥐🥐🥐 /5 homemade breads
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Jul 12 '24
Format: Audiobook, Libby
Read this book if you like:
🧙 fantasy & magical realism
🏡 cottage core
👻 urban legends
🌿 witchcraft
October 11, 2023
I loved the setting for this book. I was sold at tiny Appalachian town with a family of women who all carry special gifts. I thought all of the characters could have been developed a little more, but I did like them. I would have liked to see more of Linden’s sisters but that was silly because of how amazing they were. A year ago Linden’s relationship with her best friend Cole soured and then she went missing in the woods and returned without memory of the night. A year later and another girl is missing and Linden is haunted by the similarities. A striking difference is that girl is found dead and it is clear she was murdered. The story does progress slowly, but I felt like it worked well with the atmosphere for the story, it is a mystery but a very slow burn full of other great realistic creepy back story. I loved the way magic wove into this story that was mostly set in a world like ours.
July 18, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The atmosphere in this book was very cool! There was lots of descriptive words and imagery. I could picture the smells and the scenery. There was a mystery in the air and a slight creepiness. The rest of it fell flat to me unfortunately. If you just want spooky vibes, this is a book for you. If you want actual plot, I would look elsewhere.
If you are expecting this book to be like “House of Hollow”, the closest you will get to that is the cover. I loved “House of Hollow”, so I think I was thrown off when this book really wasn’t anything like it after being compared to it.
It had a very slow start. I was 100 pages in and still nothing really happened of note. The plot seemed all over the place. It was supposed to be a murder mystery, but Linden didn’t even investigate half the time it felt like. Clues kind of fell into her lap, but it felt like she was just going through the motions in her every day life until something would come to her. It seemed like all vibes and no storyline. It felt like nothing really happened throughout the entire book. We would learn things as we went along, but nothing interesting or compelling for me to want to keep reading.
I liked Cole even if there wasn’t much to his character. I could have done with more of their relationship. We got it in small spurts, but honestly there should have either been no romance at all or there should have been more scenes of them together. I wanted to like them together because we were told they had history and that Linden still was hung up on him, but there wasn’t anything of substance to latch onto really liking them together.
The way Linden was acting was that their falling out was dramatic, but he was nothing but nice and flirty to her for the most part after the fact, so I am kind of confused why Linden thinks Cole stopped liking her, even if they stopped talking as much. We barely see them interact throughout the book except for a few scenes here and there, and then by the end they are madly in love. I know they dated before so those feelings are still there, I just wish I saw more of that to make it more believable.
I actually really loved Hadrian as a character! It was so funny every time Rowan gave him a hard time and he just took it. She obviously had feelings for him, and it was cute to read even when she didn’t trust him. Ethan was a fun character as well, even if he wasn’t in it a lot.
I wish there was more of a sibling dynamic. I felt like they really built up the sisters and their dynamics with each other in the beginning, but after the murder happened, the sister’s were in it, but it didn’t really feel like they were a priority anymore. I liked Linden’s relationship with her parents, Gran, and aunt though.
Most of the time the characters felt superficial sadly, which makes it hard for me to enjoy a book.
There were some things that happened that I wasn’t expecting and thought was a unique twist. I was able to guess who done it; it was the motivation I wasn’t expecting.
The ending was kind of quick. There was no build up. It was just, boom, here we are going to reveal everything in the last 50-100 pages. Despite this being a long book, I needed more to it. It felt all over the place and I didn’t really care about any of it. Which is unfortunate because I really wanted to like it! I hope people can enjoy it more than I did.
The atmosphere in this book was very cool! There was lots of descriptive words and imagery. I could picture the smells and the scenery. There was a mystery in the air and a slight creepiness. The rest of it fell flat to me unfortunately. If you just want spooky vibes, this is a book for you. If you want actual plot, I would look elsewhere.
If you are expecting this book to be like “House of Hollow”, the closest you will get to that is the cover. I loved “House of Hollow”, so I think I was thrown off when this book really wasn’t anything like it after being compared to it.
It had a very slow start. I was 100 pages in and still nothing really happened of note. The plot seemed all over the place. It was supposed to be a murder mystery, but Linden didn’t even investigate half the time it felt like. Clues kind of fell into her lap, but it felt like she was just going through the motions in her every day life until something would come to her. It seemed like all vibes and no storyline. It felt like nothing really happened throughout the entire book. We would learn things as we went along, but nothing interesting or compelling for me to want to keep reading.
I liked Cole even if there wasn’t much to his character. I could have done with more of their relationship. We got it in small spurts, but honestly there should have either been no romance at all or there should have been more scenes of them together. I wanted to like them together because we were told they had history and that Linden still was hung up on him, but there wasn’t anything of substance to latch onto really liking them together.
The way Linden was acting was that their falling out was dramatic, but he was nothing but nice and flirty to her for the most part after the fact, so I am kind of confused why Linden thinks Cole stopped liking her, even if they stopped talking as much. We barely see them interact throughout the book except for a few scenes here and there, and then by the end they are madly in love. I know they dated before so those feelings are still there, I just wish I saw more of that to make it more believable.
I actually really loved Hadrian as a character! It was so funny every time Rowan gave him a hard time and he just took it. She obviously had feelings for him, and it was cute to read even when she didn’t trust him. Ethan was a fun character as well, even if he wasn’t in it a lot.
I wish there was more of a sibling dynamic. I felt like they really built up the sisters and their dynamics with each other in the beginning, but after the murder happened, the sister’s were in it, but it didn’t really feel like they were a priority anymore. I liked Linden’s relationship with her parents, Gran, and aunt though.
Most of the time the characters felt superficial sadly, which makes it hard for me to enjoy a book.
There were some things that happened that I wasn’t expecting and thought was a unique twist. I was able to guess who done it; it was the motivation I wasn’t expecting.
The ending was kind of quick. There was no build up. It was just, boom, here we are going to reveal everything in the last 50-100 pages. Despite this being a long book, I needed more to it. It felt all over the place and I didn’t really care about any of it. Which is unfortunate because I really wanted to like it! I hope people can enjoy it more than I did.
October 3, 2023
A story about generational witches set in the Appalachian mountains really can never go wrong. There's a lot of good folklore weaved in which I can really appreciate as well.
While it did have a bit of a slow start the second half of the book never lets you go. It's extremely enthralling.
While the magic system and murder mystery asps are wonderful I think my favorite part of the book was how atmospheric it is. You can close your eyes and picture exactly where the book takes place and I love that.
The characters were great. They felt like real people and not just characters. They all had their own quirks, stories, and reasons, making everyone of them very dynamic and none of them flat.
This is a great spooky YA book and absolutely perfect for this time of the year.
While it did have a bit of a slow start the second half of the book never lets you go. It's extremely enthralling.
While the magic system and murder mystery asps are wonderful I think my favorite part of the book was how atmospheric it is. You can close your eyes and picture exactly where the book takes place and I love that.
The characters were great. They felt like real people and not just characters. They all had their own quirks, stories, and reasons, making everyone of them very dynamic and none of them flat.
This is a great spooky YA book and absolutely perfect for this time of the year.
March 8, 2023
I just finished the arc and the imagery and world building is exquisite. I felt like I was plopped in a busy diner and made friends with the inhabitants of the hollar. The twist and turns of the mystery kept me second guessing my answers till the very end. I highly recommend reading this book with a slice of pie and cup of tea because it will make you hungry.
December 27, 2024
Rtc? Maybe?
“Love is worth fighting for. And if not for the bitter, we’d miss the magic of the sweet.”
😭😭😭
“Love is worth fighting for. And if not for the bitter, we’d miss the magic of the sweet.”
😭😭😭
October 9, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the advanced copy of this one!
This comes out 10 Oct 2023.
--
This is the second book set in Appalachia that I've read recently and unlike Midnight is the Darkest Hour, I feel like Bittersweet in the Hollow is a beautifully written book that discusses similar themes and elements without parodizing the Appalachian people.
I read another review about this book and someone described it as the Appalachian witch book of their dreams and I can get behind that assessment.
Bittersweet in the Hollow tells the story of Linden and her three sisters who spend their days working in their family diner and listening to stories of their gran's secret mountain magic. Each of the sisters has a magical ability and Linden's is taste - specifically, she can taste other people's emotions and later on this evolves into her infusing the things she makes with emotion.
The magic is subtle and so lushly described. I really appreciated the inclusion of pages for each month - in season produce, each month's moon, a little spell to cure small ails.
Linden has a hole in her memory. Once, she went into the woods, the very same woods where it's whispered people have been taken by the Moth-Winged man, and when she came out bleeding she can't remember what happened. When an old friend, Dahlia, is found dead in the same woods, Linden reconnects with a past love to pull on the thread of that mystery.
I don't read a ton of young adult anymore, but if I was recommending anything to anyone, it'd be this book. I found the writing to be so immersive and interesting.
Looking forward to reading anything this author comes out with in the future! 4.5/5 stars.
This comes out 10 Oct 2023.
--
This is the second book set in Appalachia that I've read recently and unlike Midnight is the Darkest Hour, I feel like Bittersweet in the Hollow is a beautifully written book that discusses similar themes and elements without parodizing the Appalachian people.
I read another review about this book and someone described it as the Appalachian witch book of their dreams and I can get behind that assessment.
Bittersweet in the Hollow tells the story of Linden and her three sisters who spend their days working in their family diner and listening to stories of their gran's secret mountain magic. Each of the sisters has a magical ability and Linden's is taste - specifically, she can taste other people's emotions and later on this evolves into her infusing the things she makes with emotion.
The magic is subtle and so lushly described. I really appreciated the inclusion of pages for each month - in season produce, each month's moon, a little spell to cure small ails.
Linden has a hole in her memory. Once, she went into the woods, the very same woods where it's whispered people have been taken by the Moth-Winged man, and when she came out bleeding she can't remember what happened. When an old friend, Dahlia, is found dead in the same woods, Linden reconnects with a past love to pull on the thread of that mystery.
I don't read a ton of young adult anymore, but if I was recommending anything to anyone, it'd be this book. I found the writing to be so immersive and interesting.
Looking forward to reading anything this author comes out with in the future! 4.5/5 stars.
February 28, 2025
THIS is why you judge books by their covers.
I was soooo right about this one.
I was soooo right about this one.
September 9, 2023
I devoured Bittersweet In the Hollow down to the very last crumb. This is just the type of story I love - a scrumptious blend of thriller, horror, folklore, and mystery with a dash of romance. It had flavors of The May Queen Murders, another favorite book of mine.
The writing style and character development were consistent, seamless and engaging. World building and pacing were executed with effortless expertise. It kept me guessing until the very end! I was truly impressed by every aspect of this book and it is very hard to believe this author does not have more published work. This author is now absolutely on my radar and may become an auto-buy in the future.
Now I have to find a perfect hardback copy of Bittersweet In the Hollow for my favorite books collection. This book was high on my 2023 "To be read" list due to the gorgeous cover, appealing title, and exciting blurb, and it exceeded my expectations. I rarely give a five star review but Bittersweet In the Hollow wholeheartedly deserves it. Thank you to Bookish First for offering this title in their catalogue.
If you like making new book friends, playing games, and reading reviews, check out LiterALLy BOOKiSh (Book Club)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/12086...
The writing style and character development were consistent, seamless and engaging. World building and pacing were executed with effortless expertise. It kept me guessing until the very end! I was truly impressed by every aspect of this book and it is very hard to believe this author does not have more published work. This author is now absolutely on my radar and may become an auto-buy in the future.
Now I have to find a perfect hardback copy of Bittersweet In the Hollow for my favorite books collection. This book was high on my 2023 "To be read" list due to the gorgeous cover, appealing title, and exciting blurb, and it exceeded my expectations. I rarely give a five star review but Bittersweet In the Hollow wholeheartedly deserves it. Thank you to Bookish First for offering this title in their catalogue.
If you like making new book friends, playing games, and reading reviews, check out LiterALLy BOOKiSh (Book Club)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/12086...
September 6, 2023
This was a dark and mysterious YA Fantasy set in a spooky and lore filled Appalachian town.
In Caball Hollow, four sisters, each with a unique magical power, work at their family diner and try to maintain a private life, keeping their magic away from the nosy townspeople.
When one of their friends goes missing and ends up dead in the woods in the same creepy place FMC Linden had gotten lost previously, Linden goes on a quest for answers to figure out how her friend died.
This fast-paced, atmospheric, and thrilling book is filled with suspense, mystery, twists and turns, unlikely alliances, a bit of romance, and a small town with secrets that will be unearthed. I highly recommend it to young readers looking for a perfect book for fall.
I will definitely be reading more from this author! Tysm Penguin Teen for the ARC!
In Caball Hollow, four sisters, each with a unique magical power, work at their family diner and try to maintain a private life, keeping their magic away from the nosy townspeople.
When one of their friends goes missing and ends up dead in the woods in the same creepy place FMC Linden had gotten lost previously, Linden goes on a quest for answers to figure out how her friend died.
This fast-paced, atmospheric, and thrilling book is filled with suspense, mystery, twists and turns, unlikely alliances, a bit of romance, and a small town with secrets that will be unearthed. I highly recommend it to young readers looking for a perfect book for fall.
I will definitely be reading more from this author! Tysm Penguin Teen for the ARC!
May 18, 2025
Pięknie napisana, intrygująca, wciągająca. Bawiłam się niesamowicie. Miałam jednak problem z zakończeniem. Samo rozwiązanie zagadki mogłoby się wybronić, ale nie podoba mi się jego realizacja. Ogólnie uważam, że to piękna książka i cieszę się, że po nią sięgnęłam.
January 5, 2024
fine, fun, easy enough to read but i have two real complaints
1. SO heavy handed with the "i'm from appalachia/the south" sayings please calm down
2. IS MOTHMAN UNDER COPYRIGHT? IS THAT WHY? moth-winged man is SO cumbersome to read it's annoying as SHIT especially considering how often it comes up. why. did you do that? i get that the author didn't want to set a book in point pleasant (though it's still in west virginia) but like.
1. SO heavy handed with the "i'm from appalachia/the south" sayings please calm down
2. IS MOTHMAN UNDER COPYRIGHT? IS THAT WHY? moth-winged man is SO cumbersome to read it's annoying as SHIT especially considering how often it comes up. why. did you do that? i get that the author didn't want to set a book in point pleasant (though it's still in west virginia) but like.
March 20, 2024
Nietuzinkowy pomysł na historię, który kupił mnie wykonaniem i niezwykłym klimatem!
October 13, 2023
In the little town of Cabal Hollow, Linden James, and her family run The Harvest Moon Diner, where they cook up delicious comfort food. But the James women also have special gifts that extend beyond the ability to make special tonics and teas. Linden can read the emotions of others, registering them as a particular taste. One year ago, she revealed her gift to Cole, her best friend and beau, causing a rift which led to a series of events that Linden still can’t recall. The only thing she does know is they found her after she’d gone missing one night and then turned up with a head injury.
Now a year later, one of Linden’s friends goes missing but her story doesn’t have a happy ending. Who murdered Linden’s friend and why? Linden’s last conversation with her has her questioning her own disappearance. Now snippets of memory start returning, and Linden starts to wonder if it wasn’t just an accident that had her barely surviving her misadventure in the woods.
I adored the James’ women and was fascinated by their powers! They were a close-knit, loving family, sometimes it was tough love, especially in the case of Gran, but there was no doubt they had each other’s backs. This is a small point, but I loved their names! They were fanciful but also a bit old-fashioned: Linden, Rowan, Sorrel, Juniper, Odette, Salome, and Zephrine.
Oh, this was sooo good! I don’t read much YA anymore, but I loved Bittersweet in the Hollow! Kate Pearsall’s writing was magical, bringing Cabal Hollow and its inhabitants to life! A dreamy, lush small mountain town with plenty of secrets! The mystery had me glued to the pages, and there’s a few to unravel! Spooky and tense in places! There’s a bit of a second chance romance, as well! Linden’s story and the mystery wraps up, but there’s a second story coming. I can’t wait! A definite recommend!
A copy was kindly provided by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.
Now a year later, one of Linden’s friends goes missing but her story doesn’t have a happy ending. Who murdered Linden’s friend and why? Linden’s last conversation with her has her questioning her own disappearance. Now snippets of memory start returning, and Linden starts to wonder if it wasn’t just an accident that had her barely surviving her misadventure in the woods.
I adored the James’ women and was fascinated by their powers! They were a close-knit, loving family, sometimes it was tough love, especially in the case of Gran, but there was no doubt they had each other’s backs. This is a small point, but I loved their names! They were fanciful but also a bit old-fashioned: Linden, Rowan, Sorrel, Juniper, Odette, Salome, and Zephrine.
Oh, this was sooo good! I don’t read much YA anymore, but I loved Bittersweet in the Hollow! Kate Pearsall’s writing was magical, bringing Cabal Hollow and its inhabitants to life! A dreamy, lush small mountain town with plenty of secrets! The mystery had me glued to the pages, and there’s a few to unravel! Spooky and tense in places! There’s a bit of a second chance romance, as well! Linden’s story and the mystery wraps up, but there’s a second story coming. I can’t wait! A definite recommend!
A copy was kindly provided by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2023
If you want a book that is a mix of mystery, fantasy, thriller, and romance then this book is for you! If you love Practical Magic, House of Hollow, and/or The Raven Cycle books, then I guarantee you'll love this one just as much.
I devoured this book, the mystery of this small town and the magic that the James women possess is fascinating to read. Linden James, went missing a year ago and was found in the exact same spot she disappeared with no memory of what happened. People from Caball Hallow don't know how to take the disapperance or what to think of the James women. When another girl goes missing in the same way, Linden knows she must help.
The folklore and mystery about this town really kept me guessing until the end and I loved the family dynamic in this book and the small town romance that we dropped here and there throughout the book!
I'm super excited for the next book!
I devoured this book, the mystery of this small town and the magic that the James women possess is fascinating to read. Linden James, went missing a year ago and was found in the exact same spot she disappeared with no memory of what happened. People from Caball Hallow don't know how to take the disapperance or what to think of the James women. When another girl goes missing in the same way, Linden knows she must help.
The folklore and mystery about this town really kept me guessing until the end and I loved the family dynamic in this book and the small town romance that we dropped here and there throughout the book!
I'm super excited for the next book!
March 29, 2024
4,5/5⭐️
Rok wcześniej Tilia zaginęła na dobę, z której nic nie pamięta, a teraz to samo przytrafiło się jej przyjaciółce z przeszłości. Niestety tej drugiej się nie poszczęściło i nigdy nie wróciła.
Jestem zauroczona i oczarowana tą lekturą. Niesamowity klimat z nutą mroku i niepokoju. Miasteczko, którego tajemnice sprzed lat na nowo dają o sobie znać. Gorące, duszne, ociekające żarem z nieba lato. Piękne, zapadające w pamięć cytaty.
Siostrzane relacje i siła kobiet połączone z magią i darami takimi jak odczuwanie emocji innych poprzez smak w wyniku dały mi wiarę w sięganie szczytów, jeśli tylko ma się przy sobie odpowiednich ludzi.
To wszystko złożyło się w piękną całość, która zostawiła mnie z jeszcze większą miłością do thrillerów młodzieżowych.
Rok wcześniej Tilia zaginęła na dobę, z której nic nie pamięta, a teraz to samo przytrafiło się jej przyjaciółce z przeszłości. Niestety tej drugiej się nie poszczęściło i nigdy nie wróciła.
Jestem zauroczona i oczarowana tą lekturą. Niesamowity klimat z nutą mroku i niepokoju. Miasteczko, którego tajemnice sprzed lat na nowo dają o sobie znać. Gorące, duszne, ociekające żarem z nieba lato. Piękne, zapadające w pamięć cytaty.
Siostrzane relacje i siła kobiet połączone z magią i darami takimi jak odczuwanie emocji innych poprzez smak w wyniku dały mi wiarę w sięganie szczytów, jeśli tylko ma się przy sobie odpowiednich ludzi.
To wszystko złożyło się w piękną całość, która zostawiła mnie z jeszcze większą miłością do thrillerów młodzieżowych.
March 3, 2024
Kind of a low 3 stars for me. It had a cool magic system, with the tasting emotions and being able to influence the emotions of others, the Appalachian setting was a nice change of pace, and the inclusion of the "moth-winged man" kept me intrigued. All that being said, I felt like the clues laid for the mystery were lost on me at times, and the characters kind of blurred together. It had a dry patch in the middle, which is why it too so long for me to finish. I have to say, my favorite parts were when Linden was at the family restaurant and baking her emotions into the desserts. Wish there was more of that!
January 5, 2025
Excellent writing, plot, and setting! This book feels authentically Appalachian with beautiful writing about the food and folklore of the hills.
The four James sisters were all born with a special gift, which can make them outcasts in their small Appalachian town. When locals begin to whisper about a Moth Winged Man, Linden's investigation unearths more questions than answers about her family and the supernatural that seems to surround them.
The four James sisters were all born with a special gift, which can make them outcasts in their small Appalachian town. When locals begin to whisper about a Moth Winged Man, Linden's investigation unearths more questions than answers about her family and the supernatural that seems to surround them.
June 4, 2024
Imagine a dateline episode that takes place in Appalachia- now weave in magic.
October 9, 2025
I LOVED this! Did the real Mothman copyright himself bc Moth Winged Man sounds more like a diva than a cryptid?
May 31, 2025
This book would be an awesome Netflix series.
I think this is a good story, but there were some cringy moments when Cole was trying to be a hottie. I think the full potential of this story would be achieved through a mystery TV series - I can see it now: The small southern town, the witchy-like magic. Some stuff was tacky, like how Linden's aunt read Tarot for no particular reason other than to foreshadow, but I suppose that is just harsh judgement on my part.
Also, this book gave essay vibes, like how they teach you to write in school. Have a hook: interesting premise, setting, and characters. Make the worst part the middle: a big chunk in the middle felt monotonous and sleepy (like the discoveries and graveyard callings - stuff that would be great for a show). Have a huge climax/make strongest claim last paragraph: man the end was wacky, I'm telling you. I got chills and it was very fast-paced, but good, and left me with a kind of 'oh that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be' vibe.
I'll probably pick up the sequel eventually.
I think this is a good story, but there were some cringy moments when Cole was trying to be a hottie. I think the full potential of this story would be achieved through a mystery TV series - I can see it now: The small southern town, the witchy-like magic. Some stuff was tacky, like how Linden's aunt read Tarot for no particular reason other than to foreshadow, but I suppose that is just harsh judgement on my part.
Also, this book gave essay vibes, like how they teach you to write in school. Have a hook: interesting premise, setting, and characters. Make the worst part the middle: a big chunk in the middle felt monotonous and sleepy (like the discoveries and graveyard callings - stuff that would be great for a show). Have a huge climax/make strongest claim last paragraph: man the end was wacky, I'm telling you. I got chills and it was very fast-paced, but good, and left me with a kind of 'oh that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be' vibe.
I'll probably pick up the sequel eventually.
November 2, 2025
3.75* With its deeply atmospheric setting, compelling mystery and fast paced writing style, I found myself fully immersed in this Bittersweet in the Hollow from the first page until the last.
I admittedly would have liked a little more exploration of the magic each girl possessed, simply because each talent was so intriguing but overall, I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this.
I admittedly would have liked a little more exploration of the magic each girl possessed, simply because each talent was so intriguing but overall, I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this.
June 24, 2024
No one told me this had cryptids in it?! That plus Appalachian small-town and I should have been on this book the second it dropped, but instead I'm here now and I inhaled it. Just perfect. No notes.
Want to read
September 28, 2023UK publishing needs to learn that I'm not going to pay 15 whole pounds for a hardback of a book I've never read, and I will wait a solid year for the paperback release
May 9, 2025
Bardzo fajna magiczna, klimatyczna opowieść ✨️
liczyłam na trochę więcej grozy i takich elementów z dreszczykiem, ale i tak było bardzo dobrze!
liczyłam na trochę więcej grozy i takich elementów z dreszczykiem, ale i tak było bardzo dobrze!
October 6, 2023
These hills and hollows are where legends and lore thrive, alive and well. Mine is a story of being lost for a night in the vastness of the National Forest, of fearing the unknown and what may be hiding in shadows of the deepest dark. But make no mistake, it’s far from the only mystery held beneath these ancient peaks. And as much as I want to forget, I know that sometimes secrets are seeds, just waiting for the right conditions to sprout. The deeper you bury them, the stronger they grow.
When it comes to reading, there are few things better than when a book hits all of the right notes (or in this case, flavors), and BITTERSWEET IN THE HOLLOW did just that. With atmospheric writing and unexpected suspense, I didn't want to put it down once I started. Pearsall combined threads of belonging, love, and sisterhood with a mystery steeped in lore, creating an unforgettable story.
As shared in the synopsis, the James women have had unique, uncanny abilities for generations. While this is a multigenerational story, the focus in on the four sisters that comprise the youngest, and I loved how open and honest their relationship was with one another. The way that Linden's ability was described was absolutely beautiful.
Emotions are complicated things. Sometimes a strong flavor, like anger or sadness, hides a whole host of others underneath—guilt, fear, hurt, nostalgia. Yet other times they enhance each other, like salt to caramel or coffee to chocolate, like grief bringing into sharper focus the shame of letting a friendship fade away.
BITTERSWEET IN THE HOLLOW has light magic that is easy to understand, and it's perfect for either summer or spooky season. Based upon the title of the sequel, I'm hoping that the next installment is told from Rowan's point of view. If you're not a fan of starting a series before all of the books have been released, Linden's story was wrapped up nicely and could easily be read as a standalone. Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Additional quotes that I loved:
The old grist mill that houses the Harvest Moon has creaky, wide-plank floorboards, worn smooth by generations of hard work, with cracks between them just wide enough for secrets to fall through.
What does it mean to go missing? To become lost, to disappear. None of the tales we’re told as children are useful instruction. We don’t hike with pockets full of bread crumbs to leave a trail, and no fairy godmother will appear to point the way. Sometimes, no matter how good and righteous we are, we may never find our way home. Being lost is as existential as it is physical. The loss of your spatial orientation, an unmooring of your place in the world. The disorienting sensation that nothing is as it was before.
When it comes to reading, there are few things better than when a book hits all of the right notes (or in this case, flavors), and BITTERSWEET IN THE HOLLOW did just that. With atmospheric writing and unexpected suspense, I didn't want to put it down once I started. Pearsall combined threads of belonging, love, and sisterhood with a mystery steeped in lore, creating an unforgettable story.
As shared in the synopsis, the James women have had unique, uncanny abilities for generations. While this is a multigenerational story, the focus in on the four sisters that comprise the youngest, and I loved how open and honest their relationship was with one another. The way that Linden's ability was described was absolutely beautiful.
Emotions are complicated things. Sometimes a strong flavor, like anger or sadness, hides a whole host of others underneath—guilt, fear, hurt, nostalgia. Yet other times they enhance each other, like salt to caramel or coffee to chocolate, like grief bringing into sharper focus the shame of letting a friendship fade away.
BITTERSWEET IN THE HOLLOW has light magic that is easy to understand, and it's perfect for either summer or spooky season. Based upon the title of the sequel, I'm hoping that the next installment is told from Rowan's point of view. If you're not a fan of starting a series before all of the books have been released, Linden's story was wrapped up nicely and could easily be read as a standalone. Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Additional quotes that I loved:
The old grist mill that houses the Harvest Moon has creaky, wide-plank floorboards, worn smooth by generations of hard work, with cracks between them just wide enough for secrets to fall through.
What does it mean to go missing? To become lost, to disappear. None of the tales we’re told as children are useful instruction. We don’t hike with pockets full of bread crumbs to leave a trail, and no fairy godmother will appear to point the way. Sometimes, no matter how good and righteous we are, we may never find our way home. Being lost is as existential as it is physical. The loss of your spatial orientation, an unmooring of your place in the world. The disorienting sensation that nothing is as it was before.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,027 reviews