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A beautifully dark YA set in Appalachia tinged with magic, mystery, murder, and romance. For fans of House of Hollow and Wilder Girls! As Caball Hollow slowly recovers after a tumultuous summer, the James family must also come to terms with their own newly revealed secrets.
18-year-old Rowan James has spent her whole life harboring unpleasant truths—that’s what happens when you can smell people’s lies—and building walls around herself to block them out. Like her younger sister, Linden, who can taste the feelings of others, Rowan has long resented her gift, which has taught her that everyone lies and no one is who they seem to be. So when her old nemesis, Hadrian Fitch, the biggest liar of them all, shows up on her front porch—bloodied, broken, and asking for help only she can give—her first instinct is distrust. But something new is stalking the Forest that surrounds Caball Hollow.
Now things are disappearing. At first, it’s small stuff—like letters, photos, and keys. But then, Rowan notices people around her are losing their memories. And when the body of a neighbor is found in the middle of town, Rowan knows there’s a link between this death and all the events disturbing the Hollow. Can she find what—or who—the link is before it takes another life?
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2 primary booksBittersweet in the Hollow is a 2-book series with 2 released primary works first released in 2023 with contributions by Kate Pearsall.
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Book Review: Lies on the Serpent's Tongue by Kate Pearsall 📚
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I recently had the pleasure of diving into Lies on the Serpent's Tongue by Kate Pearsall, and this book was so enjoyable! This haunting companion to Bittersweet in the Hollow invites us back to the enigmatic town of Caball Hollow, where the air is thick with secrets and the truth is as elusive as the mist that clings to the Appalachian hills. 🌫️📚
The story revolves around 18-year-old Rowan James, who possesses an extraordinary ability—she can literally smell the lies of those around her. Talk about an intriguing gift! As Caball Hollow begins to heal from a tumultuous summer filled with revelations, Rowan finds herself grappling with her own family’s hidden truths. The plot thickens when her old rival, Hadrian Fitch, shows up on her doorstep, bloodied and clearly in need of help. But with her keen sense of deception, Rowan's initial reaction is skepticism. And honestly, who can blame her? After all, in a town where everyone seems to hide something, trust is a fragile commodity. 🤔🔍
What I loved most about this book was how this author masterfully weaves an atmospheric setting that pulls you in from the first page. The writing is both immersive and engaging, making it easy to lose track of time as I turned each page. The pacing was spot-on; just when you think you have a handle on the unfolding mysteries, something new emerges to keep you guessing. ⏳✨
And let's talk about the characters! Rowan is beautifully complex—her struggles with her gift of discerning lies add a layer of depth that makes her relatable. Her relationship with her sister, Linden, who has a unique ability to taste emotions, brings an interesting dynamic to the story. And then there's Hadrian—a character who’s not just a rival but also a mystery in himself. As his story unfolds, I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about him, which kept the tension high and my interest piqued. 👩👧👦💫
One minor detail that initially caught my eye was the cover art. It’s simply stunning! The visuals perfectly encapsulate the eerie yet captivating essence of the narrative. 🎨📖
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed Lies on the Serpent's Tongue. It’s well-plotted, well-paced, and filled with great characters that linger in your mind long after you’ve closed the book. If you’re looking for a read that combines mystery, supernatural elements, and a rich emotional landscape, this one is definitely worth picking up! 🌟📖
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.