"Bittersweet in the Hollow" by Kate Pearsall is a novel that skillfully intertwines the beauty of rural life with the complex, often painful realities of family, love, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a small town that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in the American landscape, Pearsall crafts a narrative rich with characters who are as deeply flawed as they are endearing, drawing readers into a world where the bittersweetness of life is as palpable as the morning dew.

At the heart of the novel is the protagonist, whose journey of returning to their hometown after years away serves as the catalyst for the unfolding drama and healing. Pearsall excels in capturing the protagonist's internal conflict—the pull of nostalgia for a simpler past, mingled with the pain of old wounds and the yearning for reconciliation and growth. This return to roots, both literally and metaphorically, sets the stage for a story that explores the themes of identity, belonging, and the intricate dance between holding on and letting go.

Pearsall's prose is lyrical and evocative, painting the hollow with such vividness that it becomes a character in its own right. The landscape, with its rolling hills, ancient trees, and the ever-present whisper of the wind, mirrors the internal landscapes of the characters, reflecting their joys, sorrows, and the quiet moments of revelation that guide them towards understanding and acceptance.

The narrative weaves through the lives of multiple characters, each with their own struggles and secrets. Through these interconnected stories, Pearsall delves into the complexities of human relationships—parent and child, old loves and new, friends who become family by choice. "Bittersweet in the Hollow" doesn't shy away from the hard truths of life; instead, it confronts them with a gentle but unflinching honesty, exploring themes of addiction, loss, and the scars left by the past, while also illuminating the moments of grace and redemption that can emerge from pain.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its ability to balance the bitter with the sweet, creating a narrative that feels true to the messiness and beauty of life. Pearsall demonstrates a keen understanding of the human heart, crafting moments of quiet insight and loud, life-altering revelations with equal skill. The characters' journeys toward healing and understanding are neither linear nor predictable, but they are deeply moving and filled with the kind of hope that feels earned.

In "Bittersweet in the Hollow," Kate Pearsall has created a world that invites readers to look closely at the landscapes of their own lives—to find beauty in the flaws, strength in the struggle, and the possibility of transformation in the return to places and people who have shaped them. This novel is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit, a poignant reminder that even in the hollows of life, there is light to be found.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

This book is a great rec to those who love the ominous books aimed at girls trend that has been so popular as of late (House of Hollow is the PERFECT comp.) The appalachian region is the perfect setting for this book and I loved getting to explore that.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this e-ARC. I am anticipating reading this soon and reviewing on my socials.

Bittersweet in the Hollow is an Appalachian, “old-ways” witchy mystery, centric around the Mothman lore of West Virginia. And it was a delight to read. Most of my family is from Appalachia, so this book felt like a comfortable sweater in a lot of ways. And the paranormal, folk lore aspect just really took it to the next level. There is something about small town witchy that gave the James women the same vibe to me as Practical Magic (albeit much younger witches).

I loved the atmosphere of this novel, and the paranormal aspects of it. There wasn’t a character I disliked in all of this, and really recommend this book if you are a sucker for paranormal, Appalachian folklore, or just small town mysteries.

Tremendous thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the opportunity to read this novel!

Bittersweet in the Hollow is a mix of mystery, fantasy, thriller and romance. I know that sounds like a lot but it didn’t feel like it.

This book takes place in Appalachia, which I find so fascinating. I need to read more books with settings like this.

This book was so enthralling and kept me on the edge of my seat. The town folklore and all the secrets keeps you captivated the entire time.

This reminded me of House of Hollow, a book I truly adored. If you enjoyed that one I think this would be a hit also.

I recommend going in blind. It was so fun that way.

I think the concept of this book sounds way more fascinating then the actual writing it's self. I like the talk about the witchy stuff and the talk of the forest around the town (it kinda sounds like Appalachian Mountains) but making them work together really isn't doing it for me. I think keeping the witchy stuff out and doing a Appalachian Mountains murder mystery would have probably drawn me in more to wanting to continue the story.

NOW THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL A MURDER MYSTERY. I have nothing bad to say about this book. It was engaging, straightforward and so easy to understand. 10/10

3.5⭐️
The setting of this book was really cool. There’s a mix of mystery, fantasy, thriller and romance (closed door). While I do think it was a little long, the story did keep interested till the end.

I don’t think I’ve ever read any books that were sitting Appalachia, but I love that they waved it with this magical tail, and I would definitely recommend into all of my spooky book friends

When I was speaking about this book to a group of eighth graders about this book, I said that this book has something for everybody. It's a family story, it's got magic, it's a mystery, there's some romance. And even though it has all of these things, it does all of them very well. The magic aspects were perhaps more subtle, and the mystery and romance took up the larger part of the pie chart that makes up this book, but I loved how well done all of it was together.

As I got to know Linden, (love her name!) I truly loved her. I felt terrible for the loss she had experienced, for how she had to grow in her own space and time. I felt her character development was beautifully told, and I truly held my breath at various times in the novel as parts of the mystery were uncovered. I loved the twists and turns and how the book held my attention the entire time. I think teens will love this book.

This is a dark fiction just for those unaware.
This book takes place in Appalachia (which I know is a popular setting right now) 4 sisters set out to solve a disappearance. All 4 sisters each have their own unique set of abilities.
They try to live a normal life without magic working at their family diner until a friend of theirs goes missing and ends up dead in the woods.

If you like more darker fantasy, witches, and Appalachia you’ll enjoy this book!

fantastic example of appalachian folk magic at work. the characters in this story are unbelievably rich and the lore that is built up in this story is solid, compelling, and draws the reader in. by employing tenets of magical realism with horror and mystery, pearsall crafts a story that captures a glimmer of west virginia that i don't think we get to see too frequently in young adult stories, and does it WELL. it could have very easily into tropey territory, but bittersweet in the hollow portrays an authentic fantasy that shows how a hollow is so much more than meets the eye.

I'm not sure if this one was for me. I somehow enjoyed it while also not fully enjoying it? I may have to give this one a reread

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!! I really enjoyed this book!

This book was EVERYTHING. It has the most perfect atmospheric spooky vibes. I just completely ate it all up!! I felt like the perfect West Virginia small town version of Practical Magic. I could not put it down once I started.

The writing was phenomenal and the story telling was so vivid that I could see it all playing out in my mind.

Overall I loved the threads and themes of womanhood & family. The James family women are just what I would want if I lived in a small town like Caball Hollow. The twists and turns will have you switching your “who done it” the whole ride. The magic and rumors of magical beings kidnapping townsfolk will leave you reeling til the last page!

Social media review will be posted by end of 1/24!

Thank you, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and NetGalley, for the chance to read this book in exchange of an honest review.

The James women live in the rural Caball Hollow, surrounded by the National Forest and they have peculiar abilities. Linden can taste other's feelings and that soured her relationship with Cole Spencer, a year ago. Linden disappeared into the forest, getting out of it without memories and full of questions. Now another girl is gone and when her body is discovered, a murder investigation is open. As Linden and her sisters start to investigate what's inside the forest, the young woman has to deal with secrets about her past, Cole's relationship, her own family and what's best left buried.

Bittersweet in the Hollow is an haunting and dark story about four women with unusual talents and a murder investigation that will change all their lives. The story is absolutely captivating and thrilling and the writing style is haunting and ready to capture the readers' attention right away. You want to know what happened to Linden and her memories, with Cole, who's the Moth-Winged Man and who's looking for Linden. It's intriguing and so beautifully written, set in a very atmospheric town, haunted by the forest and its mysteries. I loved everything in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This book made me feel like I was back in my friend's basement in eighth grade watching the scene from AHS Coven where Lily Rabe's character burns to death on a stake while Stevie Nicks plays. In other words, the atmosphere of this book is incredible and haunting, lush and creepy. Pearsall is an inventive author who gives you the creepy crawlies while also portraying heartwarming sister relationships. I ultimately felt like there was too much going on plot-wise, and the romantic storyline was disappointing/predictable. However, I can't wait to see what Pearsall does next, and I hope she keeps exploring the mysteries of the James women!

Thank you to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn’t influence my review. This was a wonderfully woven dark fantasy thriller book, and I loved the romance.

In Caball Hollow, a rural town surrounded by forests, the James women of Bittersweet Farm possess unique abilities. Like her family, Linden has a special gift. She can taste the emotions of others. However, that is not all that is special about Caball Hollow. There are old rumours of the Moth-Winged Man who is said to haunt the town. Exactly one year after Linden suddenly disappeared and reappeared with no memories of what happened, another girl disappears, but turns up dead instead. As Linden starts to wonder what really is hiding in the forest, whether it be the Moth-Winged Man or something else, she discovers not only the town’s secrets, but also her family’s.

I love this kind of setting. While the hot summer in a rural town seems safe, the forest poses a strong contrast, especially when something unknown is hiding there. Mixed with the James’ special recipes and abilities, there’s also a great combination between the modern setting and old traditions.

Linden is a good protagonist. Her ability is really unique and the relationships with different family members she has were well portrayed and didn’t fall flat.

The plot itself moved at the appropriate pace. I love the idea of the story, because the more magical aspect is so well combined with the sinister lore of the town without getting too dark and neglecting the comforting atmosphere of Bittersweet Farm.

I’m not quite sure what more I can say, except that I loved ‘Bittersweet in the Hollow’ and I want more stories like this, because this was literally a perfect mix and I’m a fan.

It was okay not bad not great. I felt like I got bogged down 2/3 of the way in, and there was almost too much misdirection. I actually think the story could have stood on its own by being a little more straightforward.