The Most Read Books of the 2024 Reading Challenge (So Far)

Holly B (slower pace!)'s Reviews > The House in the Pines

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
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A Reese's Book Club Pick AND my 20th Reese Read

2.5 STARS

Look at the cover! The key, the creepy log house and the spooky woods!

On her website this is described in a quote as a "can't put it down thriller", well, no! I would not describe it that way.

Not a complete flop, but it slowly fizzled as the plot was revealed.

I liked Maya, but she suffered from ALL the things - lack of sleep, drug addiction/withdrawal, and teetering on the edge of psychosis. Definitely an unreliable narrator.

I do enjoy debut and while the premise drew me in, the writing felt uneven/choppy and the transitions weren't smooth sailing.

Then the ending was so disappointing. It felt like the author just pulled it out of a hat! 🎩

Released Jan 3,2023 / purchased from Amazon
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Reading Progress

January 8, 2023 – Shelved as: to-read
January 8, 2023 – Shelved
January 13, 2023 – Started Reading
January 13, 2023 –
10.0% "Just sampling.........

Intrigued so far, going to read a few more chapters!"
January 14, 2023 –
10.0% "I've read the first 3 chapters and still thinking about this sticky situation, so I'll continue! 🤞"
January 15, 2023 –
28.0% "still intrigued, I like Maya so far and Frank is bringing all the shady vibes."
January 16, 2023 –
36.0%
January 16, 2023 –
36.0%
January 17, 2023 –
52.0% "He wants to take her to his cabin in the woods. "What is this, a horror movie?" 😱

She thinks he is "really nice" though.........."
January 18, 2023 –
89.0%
January 18, 2023 – Finished Reading
January 19, 2023 – Shelved as: a-bit-bored-with-it
January 19, 2023 – Shelved as: domestic-suspense
January 19, 2023 – Shelved as: just-ok
January 19, 2023 – Shelved as: own-it
January 19, 2023 – Shelved as: read-in-2023

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Comments Showing 1-50 of 132 (132 new)


message 1: by megs_bookrack (new) - rated it 4 stars
Jan 15, 2023 05:57PM

megs_bookrack I am reading this right now too! Just a little behind you. I'm super intrigued by it too. I love when characters return to their hometowns to try to figure something out. Looking forward to getting to the bottom of this mystery!


message 2: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 16, 2023 05:45AM

Holly B (slower pace!) megs_bookrack wrote: "I am reading this right now too! Just a little behind you. I'm super intrigued by it too. I love when characters return to their hometowns to try to figure something out. Looking forward to getting..."

🙌 What is up with Frank?!!!!! I'm scared........ 😂


message 3: by megs_bookrack (new) - rated it 4 stars
Jan 16, 2023 06:40AM

megs_bookrack Holly wrote: "megs_bookrack wrote: "I am reading this right now too! Just a little behind you. I'm super intrigued by it too. I love when characters return to their hometowns to try to figure something out. Look..."
I'm scared too...and also hope, whatever else happens, that Maya's current boyfriend ends up okay. He seems like such a teddy bear!!


message 4: by Teres (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 17, 2023 09:24AM

Teres Reading this now and struggling. Look forward to your thoughts!


message 5: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 17, 2023 12:30PM

Holly B (slower pace!) Teres wrote: "Reading this now and struggling. Look forward to your thoughts!"

It has slowed down and dragged out some, but I'm super curious about this cabin in the woods. We shall see! Hope it gets better Teres 💗


message 6: by Barbara (new)
Jan 19, 2023 05:08AM

Barbara Oh that's too bad!


message 7: by Lilibet (new) - rated it 2 stars
Jan 19, 2023 05:58AM

Lilibet Bombshell Yeah, this book didn't do it for me. Promising start, but then...


message 8: by Marialyce (new)
Jan 19, 2023 06:03AM

Marialyce Rats, another one bites the dust!


message 9: by Kay (new)
Jan 19, 2023 09:09AM

Kay Bummer. Cabin in the woods is my thing but I'm going to pass.. too many books. 😊


message 10: by Rachel (new) - rated it 4 stars
Jan 19, 2023 10:46AM

Rachel Hanes Oh no! 😬 This is Reese Witherspoon’s January 23’ book club pick too.


message 11: by Courtney (new)
Jan 19, 2023 10:49AM

Courtney Autumn You know, I instantly wanted to read this, and then when I saw the symbol for Reese's club I had a sinking feeling about it. I love Reese, but I've had more duds than gems with her book picks!!


message 12: by Sujoya(theoverbookedbibliophile) (new)
Jan 19, 2023 04:25PM

Sujoya(theoverbookedbibliophile) I'll skip this one! Thanks for the honest review!😊


message 13: by JanB (new)
Jan 19, 2023 05:33PM

JanB blah...ugh, too bad this fizzled Holly!


message 14: by Melissa (new)
Jan 20, 2023 06:11AM

Melissa ~ Bantering Books I'll have to rethink my decision to read this one. :)


message 15: by Kristy (new)
Jan 20, 2023 06:18AM

Kristy Love the honest review, Holly!


message 16: by JaymeO (new)
Jan 20, 2023 06:20AM

JaymeO Reese’s book club picks usually fall flat for me 😂. I did have this on my maybe list, but you convinced me to forget it! Thanks for a helpful review!


message 17: by Julie (new)
Jan 20, 2023 07:16AM

Julie Excellent review, Holly! Sorry it was a disappointment, though. 💖


message 18: by Kaceey (new)
Jan 20, 2023 07:24AM

Kaceey Excellent review Holly!im glad I decided to skip this one!💖


message 19: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 20, 2023 07:52AM

Holly B (slower pace!) Barbara wrote: "Oh that's too bad!"

Thanks Barbara!


message 20: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 20, 2023 07:52AM

Holly B (slower pace!) Lilibet wrote: "Yeah, this book didn't do it for me. Promising start, but then..."

Yep! Such a disappointment! 🤷‍♀️


message 21: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 20, 2023 07:53AM

Holly B (slower pace!) Marialyce (absltmom, yaya) wrote: "Rats, another one bites the dust!"

Sure did, Thanks Marialyce! 💗


message 22: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 20, 2023 07:53AM

Holly B (slower pace!) Kay ❦ wrote: "Bummer. Cabin in the woods is my thing but I'm going to pass.. too many books. 😊"

The cabin also was a huge disappointment! 😂


message 23: by Terrie (new)
Jan 20, 2023 07:58AM

Terrie Robinson (short break) Terrific review, Holly, and I'm sooo glad I didn't download this widget! And you're right about that cover, it made it so tempting. I'm hoping your current read is more satisfying.💖


message 24: by Melissa (Trying to Catch Up) (new) - added it
Jan 20, 2023 09:21AM

Melissa (Trying to Catch Up) Excellent review, thanks for confirming my choice to skip this one. I did like the author's first two books, but this one just didn't grab me.


message 25: by Jamie Loves Books (new)
Jan 20, 2023 09:25AM

Jamie Loves Books Great review Holly, too bad it was a disappointment!


message 26: by Rosh (new)
Jan 20, 2023 09:40AM

Rosh You reminded me why I don't go for Reese's picks any more. Sorry this was such a disappointment, Holly! Hope you love your next read! 💜


message 27: by Ceecee (new)
Jan 20, 2023 09:42AM

Ceecee Well, at least not a total flop! Great review and hope you love your next one! ❤️


message 28: by Catherine (new) - rated it 4 stars
Jan 20, 2023 10:08AM

Catherine (alternativelytitledbooks) - so very behind! Sorry it didn’t work for you Holly, I know I am an outlier in my enjoyment 😂 terrific review and hope your next read is wonderful! 💕


message 29: by Linda (new)
Jan 20, 2023 10:19AM

Linda Honest review, Holly. Won't be lookin' for this House in the Pines any time soon. Haha! :D


message 30: by Erin (new) - rated it 2 stars
Jan 20, 2023 10:24AM

Erin Oh boy, I have this on my current reading list. Thanks for the warning, Holly!


message 31: by Louise (new)
Jan 20, 2023 10:28AM

Louise Wilson Good honest review Holly!!


message 32: by Tina (new)
Jan 20, 2023 10:37AM

Tina I've been wondering about this one. Sorry it disappointed. I agree about the cover! Great and helpful review Holls 👍


message 33: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 20, 2023 11:16AM

Holly B (slower pace!) Rachel wrote: "Oh no! 😬 This is Reese Witherspoon’s January 23’ book club pick too."

Yep! I'm hit or mostly miss with her! 😂 💗


message 34: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 20, 2023 11:18AM

Holly B (slower pace!) Courtney wrote: "You know, I instantly wanted to read this, and then when I saw the symbol for Reese's club I had a sinking feeling about it. I love Reese, but I've had more duds than gems with her book picks!!"

I've really enjoyed a few, BUT yes more duds for sure! 😂💗


message 35: by Michelle (new) - added it
Jan 20, 2023 12:01PM

Michelle This is so disappointing to hear. Thankfully I have this arc through EW and since they no longer approve me for anything I have no guilt in skipping this one. Terrific review, Holly! 💜


message 36: by Canadian Jen (new)
Jan 20, 2023 12:21PM

Canadian Jen Oh this sucks. A Reese pick and it was disappointing :( well I hope your next one is outstanding, Holly!


message 37: by April (new)
Jan 20, 2023 02:42PM

April I love an unreliable narrator but it sounds like this will disappoint me.


message 38: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 20, 2023 03:47PM

Holly B (slower pace!) Sujoya (lots of catching up to do!) wrote: "I'll skip this one! Thanks for the honest review!😊"

Thanks much Sujoya! 💗


message 39: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 20, 2023 03:48PM

Holly B (slower pace!) JanB wrote: "blah...ugh, too bad this fizzled Holly!"

Very strange end that didn't add up! Thx Jan! 💗


message 40: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 20, 2023 03:48PM

Holly B (slower pace!) Melissa wrote: "I'll have to rethink my decision to read this one. :)"

It is unique Melissa! Don't listen to me, give it a go! 😂💗


message 41: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 20, 2023 03:49PM

Holly B (slower pace!) Kristy wrote: "Love the honest review, Holly!"

Thanks Kristy! 💖


message 42: by Sheyla ✎ (new)
Jan 20, 2023 04:53PM

Sheyla ✎ Great review, Holly.


message 43: by Jayne (new)
Jan 20, 2023 04:55PM

Jayne This one just landed on my phone and it's going right back to Libby. Great honest review, Holly. Life is too short for 3-star books.


message 44: by Lindsay (new)
Jan 20, 2023 05:05PM

Lindsay Nixon I’ve found most Reese picks are terrible 😣


message 45: by Jayme (new)
Jan 20, 2023 05:12PM

Jayme Glad I passed on this one! Terrific review! 💕


message 46: by Kat (new)
Jan 20, 2023 07:27PM

Kat Great review, Holly! I've gotten to where I don't trust many celebrity endorsements anymore for exactly this reason. I'm sorry it disappointed! 💞


message 47: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 21, 2023 05:57AM

Holly B (slower pace!) JaymeO wrote: "Reese’s book club picks usually fall flat for me 😂. I did have this on my maybe list, but you convinced me to forget it! Thanks for a helpful review!"

Some have enjoyed it more Jayme! It just wasn't what it promised to be! 🤷‍♀️


message 48: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 21, 2023 05:58AM

Holly B (slower pace!) Julie wrote: "Excellent review, Holly! Sorry it was a disappointment, though. 💖"

Thanks Julie! 💖


message 49: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 21, 2023 06:06AM

Holly B (slower pace!) Kaceey wrote: "Excellent review Holly!im glad I decided to skip this one!💖"


I couldn't resist! 😂


message 50: by Holly (new) - rated it 3 stars
Jan 21, 2023 06:07AM

Holly B (slower pace!) Terrie ("in and out" intermittently) wrote: "Terrific review, Holly, and I'm sooo glad I didn't download this widget! And you're right about that cover, it made it so tempting. I'm hoping your current read is more satisfying.💖"

Yes! and the description! 💗


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