Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon

• Series: Blink
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Blink (September 27, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310751853
• ISBN-13: 978-0310751854

About the Book:

Willow Lamott’s best friend is a convicted killer, and no one in the small town of Gilt Hollow will let her forget it. Over four long years, she’s tried to fade into the background—but none of that matters when Ashton Keller comes striding into school, fresh out of juvie and fueled by revenge. 

The moment their eyes meet, Willow no longer feels invisible. Drawn to the vulnerability behind Ashton’s mask of rage, she sinks deeper into his sinister world and begins to question whether he’s a villain, a savior, or both.

Ashton thought he wanted vengeance, until Willow Lamott stepped back into his life. Now he longs to clear his name and become the person she sees in him. But the closer they get to uncovering the truth, the darker the secrets become, and Ashton wonders if his return to Gilt Hollow will destroy everyone he loves.

My Thoughts:

There has been a LOT of buzz about this book.  A LOT of anticipation.  So I was a bit skeptical at first.  I bought my copy via Amazon, and settled in to explore "Gilt Hollow" for myself.

My one word description:  Outstanding!

My more wordy description:  Lorie has established herself as a must read author in the YA fiction world, co-writing the fabulous "Doon" series.  But that is fantasy..."Gilt Hollow" is harsh reality, and it is rich and deep and...it works.

Accused of a crime he did not commit, Ashton feels pressured to take a plea deal.  He ends up robbed of four years of his youth, and upon his early release he returns to Gilt Hollow to seek the truth...and revenge.  He feels abandoned by everyone in his life--including his best friend from childhood, Willow Lamott.

Willow tried to stay in touch with Ashton.  She was one of the few who always believed in his innocence. But when Ashton refused any contact with her, she was forced to move on with her life.  Just as she is finding herself socially again, he returns and her world is turned upside down.

Filled with rich characters, authentic drama, and a heart-rending ending you won't see coming, "Gilt Hollow" seals Lorie Langdon's position on my must read YA shelf.  "Gilt Hollow" is a thrilling mystery gently wrapped in sweet romance, and one you do not want to miss.

"Gilt Hollow" is available now, and I'm giving it "Oh, The Feels".  Until next time...

Mark Your Place,

Deena