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

This isn't a bad book by any means. I think the writing is fairly solid and there were things I did like about that. Lindens ability to read peoples emotions but attribute it to how certain things taste was really cool. I think also the lore that Pearsall created for this story was fairly well done and very interesting. I really enjoyed the interactions with Cole, but I wanted more of him.

My biggest things was I felt like many of the characters blur together. Linden and Cole seem to stick out, but Lindens sisters definitely blurred together and I had a hard time keeping track on who was talking. I also felt like there were many times we weren't shown other characters were there and then they magically appear and start talking. Things like that definitely took my out of the story.

I also felt like Pearsall had a lot of clues she wanted to lay out, but the way she did it - it was a bit confusing for me. I just easily got lost and confused on what I should be focusing on. Another thing that was bothersome, is not much really happens. We get a lot of just talking about things but not a lot of doing in my opinion.

I think this book suffers from debut syndrome and maybe needed a bit more editing and plotting. I feel like the twist of who did it was good but I also feel like it was a complete 180 of where we were going so I think more clear easter eggs would've helped.

Also, before you go spouting off this is good for people who liked House of Hollow...maybe read that book again. Cause that book was a completely different vibe. This book was definitely more witchy and thriller than creepy and based in weird and spooky shit. Just cause your cover is kind creepy like the House of Hollow cover, doesn't mean they're similar. I'd say the most similarities I got was the sisters has strange abilities and there was a sisterly bond. That's about it. (I think this is why I was kind of disappointed. I love House of Hollow and this definitely doesn't compare.)

Overall, I'd rate this 2 stars. I'm sure others will enjoy it but it wasn't for me.

First, I want to thank netgalley for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely loved this book. It was recommended to me on Goodreads because of other books I have read and I have to say, they nailed it on this recommendation.

The story is intriguing, the characters are all very interesting and the touch of magic is perfect. I loved the family with their unique powers and the inclusion of the Moth man, though different as he is from the actual legend.

The one thing I will say as sort of a down side is that there was not a large amount of depth to most of the characters. The interactions were great between them and the conversations were well done but the actual characters were mostly all surface level. That being said, the story, the magic and the mystery were more than enough to keep me interested. I read the entire book in one sitting

Overall, I really loved this story and would absolutely read more from this author.

If Practical Magic had a baby with House of Hollow, this book would be it. In rural Caball Hollow, surrounded by the vast National Forest, Linden was born with an unusual ability. She can taste what others are feeling and her sisters, like all the James women before them, share other similar witchy talents. Linden enlists the help of her sisters to figure out what happened to her last summer in the forest, but as she starts digging for truth—about the Moth-Winged Man and her family—she must question if some secrets are best left buried.

Kate Pearsall has a beautiful talent for pulling you straight into the page and making Caball Hollow feel like home. Even if you’ve never travelled through the Appalachians before, experiencing it through Linden’s unique perspective in Bittersweet in the Hollow will make you feel like you’ve been there, done that, and shared a sweaty glass of sweet tea with the locals at The Harvest Moon.

This is by far the five-starriest five-star book of 2023.

What an atmosphere!! The writing was so good and so detailed it felt so real!! I think YA dark fantasies are my new favorite genre. This book really had me! Right from the start with the cover I was hooked. Honestly I’m so happy I decided to request it and I’m so thankful I was approved. This is one of my favorite books so far this year!!

Loved this witchy dark fantasy with all the vibes! This reminds me of house of hollow and a movie I once saw with my husband that I can’t for the life of me remember the title of. Absolutely would recommend!

Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall

🥧🦋🔐
(swipe for synopsis)

“There’s always room for another chair at the table. Love is worth fighting for. And if not for the bitter, we’d miss the magic of the sweet.”

Bittersweet in the Hollow had it all - Southern Gothic vibes, a coven of strong women with headed by a matriarch, mystery, magic, murder, romance … I LOVED it. The dynamic between Linden and her large family (3 sisters, mom, aunt, grandma, and dad living outside the home) was so well-written, and the themes of sacrifice for the people you love was really strong in this story.

All the women in Linden’s family have magical abilities, and Linden’s is the ability to taste people’s emotions, as well as influence them (often without meaning to). I really enjoyed seeing the flavors that Pearsall assigned to different emotions! I also really appreciated that while there was a love story happening in the book, it wasn’t a primary focus until the end. I love a good romance, but I also love when an author isn’t afraid to step back from romance being the primary motivation of the story.

A major element of the book, which is set in West Virginia, was a really cool spin on the Mothman legend, and it kept me on my toes! There were lots of twists and turns, and the story kept me guessing all the way to the end.

STARS:
⭐️strong story? Yes! I was so invested the entire time.
✨compelling characters? Absolutely. I especially loved Linden’s grandmother.
⭐️enjoyable writing style? Yes! It was really emotional and I really loved reading it.
⭐️did it make me think/have strong emotions? Yes! Some of the characters made choices that I had to really ponder over, and the ending was really touching.
⭐️recommend? Yes, especially for fans of Southern Gothic (and Mothman lovers).

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨(4.5/5 stars)

Not exactly what I was thinking this was going to be, so was a disappointed from the start.
Writing wasn't my cup of tea either. Overall not great and I ended up DNFing sadly.

But if you want a fun new take on a "witchy" book, this might be for you!

If you say "Hollow" in your title, I am there faster than you can tell me the plot. House of Hollow meets Stranger Things with a dash of Dark and Shallow Lies, this was atmospheric and haunting with gothic summer vibes and had the most gorgeous prose and imagery from the moment it started. I loved all the magical, witchy aspects and recipes and was sufficiently creeped out by the forest and the Moth Man legend. The sister bonds and the sweet romance between Linden and Cole stole my heart, and was a nice break from the horror/thriller nature of the book. Perfect for fans of fantasy, gothic mysteries, and anything paranormal. This was absolutely incredible, definitely a favorite of the year, and you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you skipped it!

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.

LOVED this book. It was amazing from start to finish. The characters were perfect and the story itself was bold. If you like the old feel witchy vibe this is a good pick for you.

I haven’t been this sad to finish a book in a very long time. Bittersweet in the Hollow follows four sisters with unusual abilities as they investigate a complex mystery in their small Appalachian town. I absolutely adored this. As someone who reads a lot of fantasy, particularly young adult fantasy, sometimes all the stories seem to blend into one, and it’s hard to feel excited when reading. However, this was an enthralling breath of fresh air. The characters were so vivid and real, even the secondary characters. I especially loved the sister dynamics and wish I could read a book centering on each one. The magic was unique and you could tell it had been thoroughly thought out. My favorite aspect was the prose, it was absolutely enchanting. This book felt like the cicadas buzzing, sweat dripping down the small of your back, eternal dusk of summer, and I loved every second of it.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

This book exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed the atmospheric storytelling, it allowed me to be full immersed in this Supernatural Thriller.

I would highly recommend reading this novel if you like solving mysteries that are weaved together with a little magic. Because in this story Caball Hollow isn't just another sleepy little rural town, something is happening there that can't be explained in any traditional sense. But don't worry the James women are already trying to solve the mystery of the Moth-Winged Man with their unusual abilities .

Thank you Kate Pearsall, Net Galley and Penguin Group- Penguin Group Young Readers Group for providing me with an ARC of this book!

this was a really good! I liked the characters, and they were super well-developed. the plot was super cool and fun to read, and the writing was also smooth and easy to understand
highly recommend

Thank you to Penguin Teen for the arc!

This was so good! the writing was so atmospheric, i loved reading about all the different characters . a perfect fall read.

I adored the story, the world building was amazing. I love meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it. The writing was also really nice. I couldn't put the book down and I can't wait for others to read and enjoy this story as well.