Scan barcode
zimmerlemon's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
4.0
I’m not sure how I feel. In some ways this was so beautifully written! In other ways I felt like I was very aware that I was reading a story and was kind of consciously suspending disbelief to get through certain sections towards the resolution. I’m satisfied with how it ended though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Death, and Grief
bookish_hollyx's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Murder and Violence
phoenixlovesbooks's review
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I loved the story and the mystery of it all, but the thing that made me the most frustrated was all the talk of secrets. It felt like everyone had a secret and it got to the point where I didn't even care anymore
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Child death, Violence, Physical abuse, Death, Murder, Grief, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
Minor: Cancer and Suicide
madsmacmath's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The only way I can describe it is I love the concept but didn’t love the execution.
It’s eerie and mysterious, which had me reading it slowly and thoughtfully, like dark academia. But it’s not. It’s meant to be read as a fast-paced suspense, and if I’d known that going in, maybe I would’ve liked it more.
It’s eerie and mysterious, which had me reading it slowly and thoughtfully, like dark academia. But it’s not. It’s meant to be read as a fast-paced suspense, and if I’d known that going in, maybe I would’ve liked it more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
luverbyrd's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Physical abuse and Death
brewdy_reader's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Atmospheric and autumnal with a side of spooky.
Lyrical prose transports us to an island off the coast of Cascadia, where tourists ferry to the local orchard for apple picking, sampling locally made tea and herbal remedies from the local apothecary, and admiring the fall foliage. Where there's an apothecary, there are tea readings, and the local folklore whispers of magic and witchery.
But before you think this is a small town romance where nosy neighbors manufacture drama, spread gossip, and generally are up in each others' business (which they are), get ready for an ominous edge: a local girl was murdered 14 years ago and the prime suspect is back in town. Is this an opportunity for rekindling first loves or is something more sinister abrew...
The twists and turns were a wild ride, the pacing is on target, and the beautiful descriptions and love story made this a really fun read. I wanted more spells and magic and for the adults to grow up and start communicating. Despite that, Adrienne Young has quickly become one of my must-buy authors. Beautiful fall read.
Lyrical prose transports us to an island off the coast of Cascadia, where tourists ferry to the local orchard for apple picking, sampling locally made tea and herbal remedies from the local apothecary, and admiring the fall foliage. Where there's an apothecary, there are tea readings, and the local folklore whispers of magic and witchery.
But before you think this is a small town romance where nosy neighbors manufacture drama, spread gossip, and generally are up in each others' business (which they are), get ready for an ominous edge: a local girl was murdered 14 years ago and the prime suspect is back in town. Is this an opportunity for rekindling first loves or is something more sinister abrew...
The twists and turns were a wild ride, the pacing is on target, and the beautiful descriptions and love story made this a really fun read. I wanted more spells and magic and for the adults to grow up and start communicating. Despite that, Adrienne Young has quickly become one of my must-buy authors. Beautiful fall read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Death of parent, Child abuse, Murder, Misogyny, and Alcohol
victoriawl93's review against another edition
dark
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Sexual content, Death, and Murder
Minor: Alcoholism
stagemanaginger's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed it! I feel like people describing the vibe of it as Gilmore Girls meets mystery made me think it would be cozy? I wouldn’t say this is a proper cozy read. That being said, I really enjoyed it and watching the mystery unravel. I wish there was more explicit witchiness throughout the whole story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Violence, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
downtown_kb's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A small magical town off the coast of the Pacific NW has its day to day normal rocked when August Salt returns to town. It’s been 14 years since he suddenly left after a girl turned up murdered and his return is stirring up long buried secrets.
The best thing about this was the atmosphere and the mystery and how it was slowly weaved and revealed around “that one night when everything changed.” It’s not particularly unique but it definitely kept me turning pages. The romance was sweet with several tropes I love but there wasn’t anything outstanding about it. I think the hardest thing about second chance childhood friends to lovers is marrying the “how could you leave?” and a romance I can buy as powerful enough to have lasted all that separation. This didn’t quite get there for me. However, I enjoy AY's writing, and it kept my attention. I was left with some questions at the end, just a few back of the brain itches about why exactly it got so out of hand, but I guess making a bigger mess when cleaning up the mess is pretty human.
This is a great full cast audio and again, lovely autumn/witchy atmosphere.
The best thing about this was the atmosphere and the mystery and how it was slowly weaved and revealed around “that one night when everything changed.” It’s not particularly unique but it definitely kept me turning pages. The romance was sweet with several tropes I love but there wasn’t anything outstanding about it. I think the hardest thing about second chance childhood friends to lovers is marrying the “how could you leave?” and a romance I can buy as powerful enough to have lasted all that separation. This didn’t quite get there for me. However, I enjoy AY's writing, and it kept my attention. I was left with some questions at the end, just a few back of the brain itches about why exactly it got so out of hand, but I guess making a bigger mess when cleaning up the mess is pretty human.
This is a great full cast audio and again, lovely autumn/witchy atmosphere.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Domestic abuse
fionamatilda's review
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Gaslighting, Murder, and Toxic friendship