Leigh Goff

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 (rounded up to 5)
Story: 4 out of 5
Narration: 5 out of 5

Overall: An enjoyable listen, perfect to kick off fall.

Story: I was hoping for a little more horror, honestly. There was a little mysticism and magic, but the main points of the story were the environment, and Jenna (her journey and transformation). It was well written, and a good story, but not quite what I was expecting. I enjoyed watching Jenna grow throughout the story, and how she handled her whole life being uprooted. If you're looking for a typical horror you'll be disappointed, but a great coming of age with a side of mysticism.

Narration: I thought Seidel did a wonderful job bringing this story to life. It was easy to tell the different characters apart, and she did a great job overall with the narration. The pacing and tone of the teenagers was spot on, and it was almost like listening in to actual teenagers, while the older characters had a noticeable shift. A great listen.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Leigh Goff. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.… (mais)

Koush Hollow takes me back to one of my most favorite places - Louisiana. I love books that revolve around the bayou, folklore, voodoo, and witchcraft - this book delivers on all three counts. There wasn't an overabundant amount of world-building which wasn't an issue for me but it could be for someone who has not been to Louisiana (or somewhere similar). I loved that this book featured one of my favorite things from Louisiana - Lake Pontchartrain - the Causeway that crosses it was an experience for sure, it's the longest continuous bridge over water... in the world. I've read quite a few books featuring voodoo but not one that features priestesses - it was an interesting angle to take. The history of Mama Ismay and her sisters is actually what I wish was further explored in the book.

I liked Jenna's character, she presents as a real teenager with (mostly) relatable problems - school, boys, fitting in. While the Pearls are elitist, often vain and rude (despite their souther upbringing) do have a layer underneath it all that made them a little bit relatable as well. The Diamonds make me cringe - both as people and as mothers. I was honestly disappointed in Jenna's decision, the reason behind her making it, and the lack of concern over the "down payment". Jenna really started out strong but I found the constant wavering between her two options slightly irritating. Character interactions are pretty PG with love interests - only kissing.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy young adult, the south, voodoo, magic, and fantasy. Koush Hollow was a good, fast-paced, interesting book and if there just so happens to be a sequel in the making - I would definitely read it. The only subjects that had the potential to be sensitive were the death of a parent, depression, and substance abuse/addiction. I would like to thank Parliament House Press for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy - all opinions are my own.… (mais)

Hannah Fitzgerald would like nothing more than to be a normal 16 year old. However, Hannah is descended from a long line of witches and the magic in her is beginning to bubble over. With both of her parents deceased, Hannah moves to Annapolis with her aunt. Annapolis is where her coven is located and has many witches as well as other people with special gifts living among the ordinaries. At school Hannah quickly makes a friend in Summer and her brother Mateo and enemies among the Queen J's, especially their leader, Emme. At her coven meeting Hannah finds out just why she is so hated amongst the J's as well as a few clues to why her parents may have died. A prophecy that foretells of two witches in of Hannah's generation, a battle and then either peace or a downfall. Hannah would prefer to hide from her magic and ignore the prophecy, but with the help of a mysterious friend, she learns to embrace the magic within her.

Bewitching Hannah is an enchanting young adult paranormal romance that eventually pulled me in with a variety of magic and great characters. The beginning had a lot of information to take in and it seemed like I had missed something and needed to catch up. However, once Hannah was in school and the other witches found her, the suspense, danger and mystery quickly ramped up. I loved that so many magical being lived under the noses of everyday people in Annapolis and that their power was tied to history and culture. I enjoyed watching Hannah grow and make decisions as she came to terms with her magic with the help of the mysterious W. W added a touch of sweet romance and a bit of a Beauty and the Beast feeling. The ending tied everything together with an exciting and twisty display of magic . Complete with witches, curses, ghosts, and shapeshifters, Bewitching Hannah is a perfect Halloween time read.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (mais)