What worked: Spooky fantasy filled with mysteries, disappearances, and an urban legend set in the Appalachian mountains. Think YA meets Practical Magic in a rural small town that holds secrets that might be best left hidden.

I love a good witchy tale and what makes this one unique is the setting in the Appalachian mountains that have a legend of a woman who walked into the rural town Caball Hollow and the secrets she passed down throughout the generations. Linden James has the ability to smell the emotions of people. Seems all the James women are born with unique abilities. Some in town call them witches. But all agree that their enchantments work. I never heard of the Moth Winged Man legend. In this legend, it states someone calls his name three times and he appears. But like Linden's grandmother tells her, "All legends have some truth." And this one is chilling and frightening.

A local mystery resurfaces after Linden's best friend goes missing. Linden also went missing a year previous but has no memory of that date. She's determined to find out not only what happened but how these events might all be linked. There's a slow build-up on what happened which involves her own family's secrets. The tension builds when Linden and her sisters call on their paranormal abilities to find out the truth. I loved how emotions are shown through the foods that the James women cook at their small family-run restaurant.

There's almost a fae atmosphere feel with the Moth Winged Man legend throughout this story as well. That adds to the creepy factor of this novel. Linden and her sisters reminded me of the Charmed sisters, especially when they come together to try to figure out the mystery behind a local death and a decades-long missing child case.

The relationship between Linden and Cole Spencer moves slowly and is on the back burner while other secrets surface. It's more a story of sisters and the paranormal abilities they share and how they work together to solve a decades-long mystery in Caball Hollow. The final reveal did surprise me and I'm curious how this will be woven in the second book in this series.

Beautifully written dark fantasy where some secrets once revealed have the power to change not only those in the town but lives as well.

the amount of books whose plot progress solely because the mc wants to figure everything out is so fun to me like yess be curious even if it becomes a danger to you and those you love!

bittersweet in the hollow features mysterious disappearances, a small town full of gossip, and most importantly a family of magical women with mundane magical abilities. it's been a year since linden went missing for a day, back with no memories of what happened that day and when another girl goes missing, on the same day a year later, linden is determined to find out what's going on in her town. but with a lot of secrets and little information, there's no telling what linden will find. this novel tells the story of when four sisters, the mysterious disappearances, and their town's history all connect to one big plot, and what happens after they uncover the secrets it holds...

this book was a decent read! i enjoyed linden as a character but i was disappointed about her sisters' involvement. while they are plenty involved in linden's journey to uncover the secrets, the description makes it seem like they play a much bigger role than they actually do. . i would have actually preferred the ending to center around the sisters since that was my main draw to this book, instead of how it was done. and while the mystery was interesting at first, the reveals we get regarding mysterious characters and situations felt anticlimactic to me. they were just very quick in ur face this is who it is now! with very little immediate buildup to the actual like. happenings of the reveal. two characters would be talking and soon a reveal would happen, which wasn't that satisfying for me. they're still pretty smart (meaning they made sense and left me going ahhhh okay) plot twists/reveals but idk.

the side romance was cute but should have been fleshed out more as for most of the book it looks like linden is pining unrequitedly and it's just distracting since a little bit after they get together the climax of the novel happens and it's something to forget until they show us again.

this sounds like a very very negative review but this had some very fun scenes any time linden was in the diner i knew i was going to enjoy it idk smth abt that diner was my favorite setting <3 also descriptions were a INCREDIBLY strong part of this book every time linden described how a certain emotion tasted like it was incredible and i was able to taste it too! and i LOOVE family secrets which this book had an ample amount of! the lore of this town was interesting and i definitely felt inside the story and once again i love a came back wrong and some mundane magic which this book definitely had so! enjoyed this novel will probably read the next book that seems to be coming after this one <3

Okay, this had a bit of a slow start for me. There was some YA world building to do and a lot of characters to introduce and to do that correctly takes a chunk of time. I think the premise is interesting, and I wish we had learned more about the powers and seen a little more “witchy” type stuff. But holy cow! That last quarter of this book had me gripping my seat. I honestly did not see the needing coming and I loved it! Some great characters.

Vibes like Kingdom of the Wicked. Can’t wait to recommend this!

Linden has grown up in Caball Hollow, a small town with whispers of its paranormal history. Some of those whispers have a smidge of truth mixed in with the rumors, and she would know this better than anyone since she was born into the latest generation of James women and their distinct abilities. When a girl from town goes missing and is found dead, the town’s whispers about the James women grow louder and louder. This disappearance is eerily similar to Linden’s own disappearance the previous summer, and she can’t seem to remember anything about that night. As many in town begin to grow meaner, louder, and bolder, Linden and her sisters lean into their abilities to find out who is behind the murder… or murders.

When I picked up this book, I was not expecting it to be as much of a mystery and thriller that it actually is, and that’s a good thing! I was sucked into the story so fast. We follow Linden, a teenager whose life was turned upside down after she went missing a year before where the story starts. It all began with a silly game of Moth-Winged Man, which is played like a game of Bloody Mary but in the National Forest and without a mirror. The only problem is that Linden can’t remember much about that night, and it’s caused a divide between her and all her friends. She’s just been waiting for the whole thing to finally blow over when a friend of hers, Dahlia, goes missing around the National Forest.

Of course, things only get worse when Linden discovers Dahlia’s body, only she was pulled to it like a magnet. She and her old friend, Cole, keep dancing around each other as she and her sisters try to figure out what happened. Linden doesn’t want to accept Cole’s help given how their friendship broke apart, but it seems that he’s not as weirded out by her as she thought. I think the differences between Linden and Cole investigating and Linden and her sisters investigating were really fun. We see Linden and her sisters using their abilities, such as contacting the spirits, to see what they turn up. However, when she’s working with Cole, we see just two regular teenagers trying to connect the dots. It was really interesting, especially because we get to see how each method of poking around uncovers new information that helps them all move forward. I especially loved seeing Linden and her sisters bond, bicker, and support each other every step of the way.

The mystery itself was excellent. It went so far back and was connected to everyone in so many different ways. It was really interesting to see how the decisions of some of the characters we get to know impacted how the events played out. I also really liked that the central plot leads Linden on a path of discovery about her family and how her ancestors really ended up in town. There are so many twists and turns throughout the story that it’s easy to tell how much planning went into this. It was truly an excellent read. I wasn’t happy about the final chapter, but that was because it went from high stakes to instant closure when I was hoping we’d get more information about the aftermath of the previous chapters. However, since this is the first in a series, I think it’s very likely that we’ll see the aftermath of those events play out in the next novel.

Bittersweet in the Hollow is a great YA book about a girl named Linden that has the unusual talent of being able to taste what people are feeling. Sounds weird right? Her whole family has talents and the town pretty much considers them witches. The other main part is the forest where some people either vanish or turn up dead. Linden survives going into the forest but has gaps in her memory and suffers from PTSD from her ordeal. So put this all together and add her close friend showing up dead in the forest and a Moth-Man legend that comes to life. It makes for an interesting story and the author is able to weave all this together very well. The atmosphere is so cool, the forest seems larger than life and creepy as heck. I loved Linden's family and the whole deal with the family book and the powers and history. The Moth-Man part is also really cool and probably the best part of the story. for me. What would you be willing to give up to save someone? That is a question that comes up at times and something to ponder. Anyway, this is a great story and really has it all, a great creepy setting, a mysterious Moth-Man, witches, a solid mystery as to some characters' identities, and more.

Kate Pearsall’s “Bittersweet in the Hollow” is a haunting mystery that grips you to the very last page. In the same vein as “Small Favors,” “House of Salt and Sorrows,” and “House of Hollow,” the book blends paranormal intrigue with otherworldly elements, resulting in a deliciously tense literary atmosphere where nothing is as it appears.

I couldn’t recommend it more.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.*

Incredible writing. The imagery a day storytelling kept my enthralled, and I stayed intrigued by the majority of the plot. I wish I felt more of a connection with the sisters as their personalities felt not as fleshed out as they could have been. But still a genuinely enjoyable read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

Taking place in a small Appalachian town,, the author creates suitably creepy vibe. The characters need more depth.. The plot could use editing. While the premise is a good one, the execution lags..

This is my honest review.

Bittersweet in the Hollow is a book pitched as House of Hollow meets Wilder Girls and seeing as I’m a fan of both of those books (and the body horror/creepy girl genre in general) I had a feeling this book would be right up my alley. The plot is so enticing, with four sisters who have unusual abilities (such as tasting other people’s feelings), but also a forest where people who enter either vanish without a trace or show up dead. Linden, however, somehow survived going into the forest the year prior, but has gaps in her memory and suffers from nightmares of that night. When Linden’s friend Dahlia shows up in the forest murdered, strange events start to happen that make her realize that what happened to Dahlia is connected to what happened to her the year before. All of this ties into the town’s urban legend, the Moth Winged Man. This book definitely falls into the super weird, speculative fiction category.

Reading this was the ultimate form of escapism and reminded me of why I love reading so much. This small, creepy town nestled near some of the oldest mountains in the world, filled with legends and lore, could not be more different than what my standard suburbia life is like. The small town of Caball Hollow kind of reminds me of Stars Hollow, if it were creepy. It’s like the Gilmore Girls town on steroids. I could see Tim Burton wanting to make a movie adaptation of this.

This is a story rooted in small town urban legends and hereditary magic, with everything from tea leaf reading giving cryptic predictions to a bone tree that may or may not exist in a place where time moves differently. One of the sisters even speaks to the dead. But in Caball Hollow, none of these things are out of the norm. The setting and atmosphere are the standout points in this book.

I gave this 3 stars because as nice as the atmosphere was, this book never really compelled me to want to pick it back up. It took me forever to finish because it just wasn’t enticing or gripping enough to make me want to keep reading it. The ending was also so frustrating. I don’t know why people always reveal to the murderers that they know what they did, like obviously it would be smarter to hide it and keep it to yourself because they’re def going to try to kill you once they find out you know lol? This really was well written though, and very creative.

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

Solid creepy small-town mystery with an added bonus--weird superpowers! It was a dark but fun book. I can't imagine tasting feelings. The setting was very atmospheric and I really felt like I was in Mothman territory. I love books that include a small town festival--I think its such great way to bring so many different people together and I am always surprised more books don't use this to their advantage. It really sets the scene in a seamless way.

Thank you NetGalley, and Kate Pearsall for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC for an honest review.

The cover of the book is lovely. The writing style was incredible. I enjoyed reading this teen book.
Very well done.

If you're a fan of enchanting tales featuring magical families residing in quaint, eerie little towns, then Bittersweet in the Hollow is the perfect book for you. This is one of those captivating stories where I believe it's best to approach it with a hint of mystery, allowing the narrative to unfold organically and reveal its true brilliance. I can assure you that if you're drawn to the likes of Practical Magic and House of Hollow, this book will capture your heart.

What truly captivated me were the intricate familial storylines interwoven throughout the pages. The depth of the lore surrounding the town, the family, and their magic was simply mesmerizing. It transported me to a world brimming with wonder and fascination.

While my enjoyment was abundant, if I were to offer any critique, it would be that I wished the Appalachian ambiance had been more pronounced. Don't get me wrong, there were several subtle elements that captured the essence of the region, but there were instances where, had I not consciously reminded myself, I might have forgotten that the story was specifically set in the Appalachians.

Nevertheless, the magic system within the book was remarkably unique, and I relished every moment exploring its intricacies. The mystery aspect of the story was also particularly strong. As an avid reader of mystery novels, I often find myself deciphering the culprit's identity early on, but in this case, the reveal took me by surprise in the most satisfying way.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Bittersweet in the Hollow to all readers seeking a bewitching read. Its enthralling blend of magic, family dynamics, and a touch of mystery will keep you enthralled from start to finish. Allow yourself to be transported to the captivating world within these pages, and prepare for an unforgettable journey.

I'm screaming, this was such an intricate and well-written YA thriller. There were so many cool plot twists and shocking revelations (I legit sat up at one point), and the reveal about the true killer/villain/whatever was so bone-chilling. I also love loved the sisterly bonds, as well as the soft second chance romance the MC has <3
If you like thrillers, I would definitely recommend you read this!

TWs - murder, attempted murder, sacrifice, kids/teens who disappear and are found dead, drowning, death of parents/grandparents due to various ailments (mentioned, secondary characters)

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Bittersweet in the hollow had me by the throat from the very get go. What a wonderfully described book with a rich setting and strong characters. I was hooked, eating up page after page, needing to find out the secrets of the James sisters. The twist at the end I didn't see coming and it made me fall more in love with the book. The ending was truly bittersweet and absolutely perfect.

I really liked this book! It was mysterious and magical, with a strong protagonist and tension-filled romance. I thought the book was paced really well and fit the kind of thriller-pacing I’m used to. However, the ending didn’t wrap things up as I would have liked it to so it was kind of unsatisfying. Which is because there’s supposed to be a sequel! But I went into this book thinking that it was a standalone, so I was disappointed and a little frustrated when I realized that it wasn’t.

Before I start, I want to thank the Penguin Group’s Penguin Young Readers Group for the arc through Netgalley.

Overall, this was a wonderful little magical realism book.
The story is about 17-year-old Linden James, unraveling the case of a friend’s murder on the night of the Moth Queen crowning one year after her own disappearance. Throughout her quest, she uncovers secrets from her small West Virginia town, including how her family is interweaved into the history of the town, and why a certain legend about a winged man is connected.

I tried to be spoiler free with my review, but please thread-lightly there may be some spoilers.

What I loved:
I loved how active the protagonist was in searching for clues, and following her instincts and not necessarily waiting for permissions to do something. Act first, ask for forgiveness later.
I also loved her family’s involvement in the story. Linden has 3 sisters, all with special abilities of their own and I love how Kate Pearsall used all the girls’ skills, especially with Linden towards the end with the antagonist. I love how matriarchal the whole story is, finding support within one another and embracing everyone’s differences. It definitely reminded me of Practical Magic, but it was all its own.
I like that the love interest was not necessarily the whole of the story. That said, I kind of wish we had more lovely scenes between Cole and Linden, BUT that is just me being selfish because I like a little romance. However, with what is on the pages, there’s history there, not enough to really convince me that they truly love each other at the end, more like they could grow, but it is okay, I enjoyed it as is.
I liked that they owned a little café, and that the girls grew up there cooking, and that linden attaches her feelings to food and shares those feelings with food too. I like that they had a little family business.

Favorite Quotes:
“Salty, sour, bitter, sweet- all my strongest memories are steeped in flavor.”

“There’s only one predator who covers his tracks.”

“When we sleep, we’re more open than when we’re awake,”

“Forcing your intention on the universe shouldn’t be painless.”

“It’s more than that, Mama. I don’t want them to hang their heads, but I don’t want them to risk their necks to prove how high we can hold them, either.”

“If living in West Virginia has taught us anything, it’s that difficult roads lead to beautiful places.”

“People aren’t gardens where you can plant whatever you want. You can only grow what’s already there.”


What I did not like:
This is my own pet peeve, but the fact Linden kept calling her father “Daddy”. Maybe it was to make her seem younger, but she is supposed to be 16/17 and it felt odd having a 16/17-year-old called their father “Daddy”.
That’s it :)

Others (i.e, me nit-picky):
In the writing, there are some sentences and chosen words that do not necessarily have to be included. For example, I read a couple of “anyhows” that were not needed. It did not flow the cadence of the quote/sentence/paragraph.

P.S. There are some grammatical errors in the arc I would like to share if reached out by the publisher.

This book is truly phenomenal. From start to finish, I was on the edge of my seat, completely engrossed in the story. The author's ability to convey Linden's emotions is truly remarkable, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the already captivating plot. Speaking of the plot, the twists and turns this story takes are nothing short of mind-blowing. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the story takes an unexpected turn that will leave you reeling. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you're looking for a thrilling, emotional, and unforgettable read, this is the book for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience this incredible story for yourself.

Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you like magical families in sleepy-creepy little towns, Bittersweet in the Hollow is the book for you. This is one of those books where I feel like it's best to go into it semi-blind, as I feel that the story really shines when you're looking at it objectively. If you want to know anything about it aside from the summary, I can tell you that it definitely gave me Practical Magic/House of Hollow vibes, and that is exactly what I look for in a book.

I loved the familial storylines at play and more than that, I loved how deep the lore of their town, their family, and their magic went.

If there were any complaints, I'd say that I wish the Appalachian tones were a bit stronger. That's not to say they weren't there - there were a lot of small things that were great, but there were times when, if I hadn't minded myself, I would not have recalled it was specifically set in the Appalachians.

The magic system itself was incredibly unique, and I loved every second. The mystery aspect of this book is strong, too. I read a lot of mystery, and typically end up guessing whodunnit pretty early on, but the reveal was actually pretty surprising, in a good way.

All in all, I highly recommend Bittersweet in the Hollow.

**review to be posted near publication date**

Content Warning: violence, vandalism, threats

There is so much I loved about this book. I love the Appalachian history of the small town that is Cabal Hollow. And the James women, especially the sisters, Sorrel, Rowan, Linden and Juniper, who have powers, but they are a tight knit group and I loved the sisterly bond between them. My favorite has to be Rowan, who has an outspoken personality. I thought Linden was a great character too though since the murder mystery revolves around her. I like how the suspect was hard to figure out and the explanation for their motives were interestingly tied to an urban legend, the Moth-Winged Man. Coincidentally, this is the second book this year I’ve read about a mothman!

I was intrigued with how curses, trades, magic, and consequences play a big role in this story. It starts off with one plea for life that ends up being a bargain that devastates people and families.

I also thought the childhood romance between Linden and Cole was so sweet. There was something creepy, yet heartwarming about this story once everything is revealed. I love the James family. And although they had powers and were known as witches, there isn’t a lot of witchcraft in this book but I thought it was a nice balance. I was really immersed in the story and I hope book two is about Rowan and Hadrian because the sparks between the two are off the charts!

Tropes: slow burn romance

Why you should read it:
*the James women and their family bond – love how they are strong, capable women
*the witchcraft and urban legend about the Moth-Winged Man, creepy vibes
*intrigued from beginning to end

Why you might not want to read it:
*this is being compared to House of Hollow but that book was darker than this one. I’d say this one is mild compared to House of Hollow and was more a mystery thriller. No body horror in this one.

My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though sometimes I struggle with mysteries. I like the pacing of this story, it wasn’t as slow as most mysteries and I love the James women. I love the sisterly bond, and how strong these women are. I also adored the slow burn romance between Cole and Linden even though it wasn’t a main focus of the story. I was invested in the urban legend and I hope we get more of Rowan and Hadrian in book two!

The premise sounded interesting, but this really missed the mark for me. The plot was all over the place. It took me forever to get engaged, and then it didn't keep me there, sadly. Cole was a stereotypical golden boy ... very predictable. Some parts felt quite unnecessary (such as the James Family Book of Mountain Wisdom). Characters weren't that unique, so the sisters blended together, which was confusing. The points that were, I believe, supposed to be the big twists weren't a huge "Wow" for me. They felt forced, and the ending was very anticlimactic.