Reviews

Bitter House by Kiersten Modglin

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cozy_book_life's review against another edition

5.0

I really loved this! Like all of Kiersten Modglin’s books, Bitter House is extremely fast paced and addictive. I finished this book in two sittings because I couldn’t put it down.

Bridget inherits Bitter House after her grandmother dies. Growing up they had a strained relationship, so she doesn’t quite understand why Vera would leave the house to her. After returning to Bitter House to get everything in order, Bridget finds out that half the house actually belongs to Cole - a man she’s hated since she was a kid. Tensions are already high when a mysterious letter arrives promising to reveal her grandmother’s long hidden secrets.

I loved seeing the strained relationship between Bridget and Cole explored showing that even though two people can live through the same things, they will experience it differently. I also really loved the mysterious letters and waiting for the next secret to be revealed had me on the edge of my seat. Same with the slow burn romance. The tension between Bridget and Cole was SO high! Also, this book made me surprisingly emotional, and I absolutely loved the ending. Definitely a new favorite from Kiersten Modglin!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC.

tirwinreads17's review against another edition

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4.0

After the tragic death of both Bridget’s parents, Bridget (“B”) goes to live with her maternal grandmother, Vera Bitter, at the “Bitter House.” Her childhood spent with Vera could be described as distant and enigmatic.

Now, after Vera’s death, Bridget returns to the Bitter House for the first time since she was 18 as its new co-owner due to her grandmother’s will along with an enemy from her past.

Soon after arriving back at the house, she begins to receive anonymous letters disclosing hidden (and buried) secrets from her grandmother’s past. Who really was Vera Bitter? Who is sending these letters? And are they true?

myreadingescapism's review against another edition

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3.0

So predictable.

countrybumpkin74's review against another edition

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mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

celeste_velocci's review

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

My first read of 2025! I do love Kiersten Modglin books many of them have been my favorites. This one fell in the middle I found it to be a bit underwhelming. I enjoyed the twists and the revelation at the end. The lesson was important but also a little bit far fetched??

This one is a maybe for sure.

catoftheseas's review against another edition

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4.0

A mysterious story of the past life.
When her grandmother dies and she finds out she's not the only one to inherit the home she grew up in. Two childhood friends or foes come together in this big old home left to them only to discover the mysteries about Eva Bitter's past.

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book. It was very captivating and a little bit creepy I had to listen in one sitting. I'd highly recommend it, it's quite more than inspiring in the end!!

#mystery #abuse #recovery #suspense