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goobersmom57's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
oktrouble1401213's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
reading_and_wrighting's review
challenging
dark
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
thedustbunnyslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Lola and Ian Sumner are a young couple living in a small town called Resting Hollow. Ian works as an English/LA teacher while Lola professionally bakes from home.
When Lola and Ian deliver an order of cupcakes to a friend’s house for a birthday party, they quickly note that all their former friends are there with their kids. Feeling painfully excluded, Lola and Ian decide maybe it’s time to start trying for a baby.
I loved this spooky slow burn so much! Ian and Lola are such an adorable and admirable couple. They spend their free time watching horror movies, Lola dances to her records while she bakes, they have cute nicknames for each other, and they support each other through everything. I loved spending time with them and was so sad for the book to end.
But they’re not the best decision makers. Early on, we learn that Ian’s not confident in becoming a dad and Lola is scared to get pregnant again. During her first pregnancy, she had an abortion as she and Ian weren’t ready for a baby so early into their relationship. Now, Lola’s afraid the abortion may have lasting negative effects. But they’re determined to have a child.. just so they can be invited to parties again. What could possibly go wrong, right?
As you can imagine, the story deals heavily with the struggles of motherhood. Postpartum depression, trauma, grief, physical health, mental health, and even racism. The author did an amazing job capturing the details of what a new mom can go through. From intense and debilitating complications, to slipping a mirror between your legs on the toilet to check your episiotomy scar.
So where does the horror come in? During her traumatic pregnancy, Lola has visions of an eerie, dark figure with glowing purple eyes outside of the house at night. I don’t want to tell you what this leads to. Going into this book blind made it so much more captivating to watch it gradually unfold.
Sadly, I was underwhelmed by the explanations in the end. But overall I absolutely loved this book with its lovable characters, disturbing imagery, and touching story. It’s going on my Favorites list!
When Lola and Ian deliver an order of cupcakes to a friend’s house for a birthday party, they quickly note that all their former friends are there with their kids. Feeling painfully excluded, Lola and Ian decide maybe it’s time to start trying for a baby.
I loved this spooky slow burn so much! Ian and Lola are such an adorable and admirable couple. They spend their free time watching horror movies, Lola dances to her records while she bakes, they have cute nicknames for each other, and they support each other through everything. I loved spending time with them and was so sad for the book to end.
But they’re not the best decision makers. Early on, we learn that Ian’s not confident in becoming a dad and Lola is scared to get pregnant again. During her first pregnancy, she had an abortion as she and Ian weren’t ready for a baby so early into their relationship. Now, Lola’s afraid the abortion may have lasting negative effects. But they’re determined to have a child.. just so they can be invited to parties again. What could possibly go wrong, right?
As you can imagine, the story deals heavily with the struggles of motherhood. Postpartum depression, trauma, grief, physical health, mental health, and even racism. The author did an amazing job capturing the details of what a new mom can go through. From intense and debilitating complications, to slipping a mirror between your legs on the toilet to check your episiotomy scar.
So where does the horror come in? During her traumatic pregnancy, Lola has visions of an eerie, dark figure with glowing purple eyes outside of the house at night. I don’t want to tell you what this leads to. Going into this book blind made it so much more captivating to watch it gradually unfold.
Sadly, I was underwhelmed by the explanations in the end. But overall I absolutely loved this book with its lovable characters, disturbing imagery, and touching story. It’s going on my Favorites list!
teeni1113's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
oopsadaisy's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
cooter74's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jules_withaxe's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
nausheenh's review
4.0
This was very enjoyable. I love an evil child trope. I think the less you know going in, the better.
A lot of good commentary on parenting fears and, as a result, I didn’t initially care for the 2 main characters or their cheesy banter. Their reasons for having a child also seemed kind of selfish and unrealistic. However, I understand what the author was trying to convey in terms of their relationship. I think they redeemed themselves by the end, though, and there were definitely elements that kept me guessing throughout. Made for an overall unique and engaging story.
I do wish there had been more about the mythology and history of the supernatural elements and the characters involved in that aspect of the book. I enjoy a good background story and world building but I feel the story fell short in that regard. I also feel some of the aspects of the supernatural elements lacked resolution. I wanted to know more!!
Very good book overall. I hope maybe there will be a part 2! I think this story can definitely be fleshed out into another novel, hint hint.
A lot of good commentary on parenting fears and, as a result, I didn’t initially care for the 2 main characters or their cheesy banter. Their reasons for having a child also seemed kind of selfish and unrealistic. However, I understand what the author was trying to convey in terms of their relationship. I think they redeemed themselves by the end, though, and there were definitely elements that kept me guessing throughout. Made for an overall unique and engaging story.
I do wish there had been more about the mythology and history of the supernatural elements and the characters involved in that aspect of the book. I enjoy a good background story and world building but I feel the story fell short in that regard. I also feel some of the aspects of the supernatural elements lacked resolution. I wanted to know more!!
Very good book overall. I hope maybe there will be a part 2! I think this story can definitely be fleshed out into another novel, hint hint.