Courtney Hickling, Author

138 followers

Follow

Follow

Follow

1/6

4 saved

1

10

🚫 Don’t read this book if…

1. You like your thrillers sweet and safe

2. You yell at the heroine to stop asking questions and expect her to listen

3. You sleep just fine without imagining what’s under the floorboards

💀 But if you crave:

➤ Small-town secrets

➤ A whisper of the supernatural

➤ And plot twists you won’t see coming…

🖋️ My debut paranormal mystery, The Missing Reflection, launches 9/2—and it’s already creeping onto bookshelves.

Preorder now → http://bit.ly/3JrVk5x

📍 Meet me IRL at The Lazy Daisy Bookshop (Jacksonville, NC) on 9/13 for a signing that might come with a ghost story or two. Possibly three.

🕯️✨Dark, eerie, and just a little unhinged. Exactly how we like it.

#lemon8books #ThrillerBookTok #BookAesthetic #ParanormalMystery #DebutAuthor

2025/8/22 Edited to

The Missing Reflection invites readers to immerse themselves in a world where curiosity leads to danger and secrets lurk beneath the surface of a seemingly quiet small town. Unlike typical thrillers, this novel blends a supernatural atmosphere with a compelling plot that reveals hidden truths and unexpected twists. The heroine's relentless pursuit of answers defies the usual cautionary advice to 'stop asking questions,' making the story more engaging and suspenseful. Readers who enjoy paranormal mysteries will find the book's eerie tone and dark themes particularly appealing. Elements such as the whispers of the supernatural and a haunting ambiance under the floorboards create a chilling yet captivating narrative. The story expertly balances tension, mystery, and occasional unsettling moments to keep readers on edge. This book also reflects the growing popularity of paranormal thriller stories on platforms like ThrillerBookTok and Lemon8Books communities, which favor novels offering unique blends of atmosphere, well-crafted characters, and unpredictable plot developments. The author's debut status adds freshness and originality to the mystery genre. For those intrigued by authentic small-town settings woven with supernatural elements, The Missing Reflection delivers both intrigue and thrills. The upcoming book signing at The Lazy Daisy Bookshop in Jacksonville offers fans a chance to engage with the author and perhaps discover fascinating ghost stories beyond the pages. This event underscores a trend of immersive book experiences linking readers to authors and fostering community around shared love for dark, unhinged storytelling. Preordering the book ensures early access to this captivating read, promising an unforgettable journey into mystery, suspense, and the paranormal that challenges readers to stay awake and question everything lurking just out of sight.

Related posts

Don’t read this book… 🫣

…unless you love cowboys, slow burn romance, rodeo and western life, healing from trauma, and short chapters! 📖: The Pieces We’ve Lost - OUT NOW on KU & Paperback A cowboy romance centered around rodeo. A girl who swore she’d never fall in love with a cowboy after the loss of her dad, and

669 likes

A bookstore shelf displaying numerous fantasy books, including titles by Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros. The image has pink text overlayed, stating "Popular booktok books I want to read" and "Swipe".

A hand holding the book "Promises & Pomegranates" by Sav R. Miller, featuring a dark cover with pomegranates and gold leaves. A circular sticker is visible on the cover.

A hand holding the book "The Striker" by Ana Huang, which has a light purple cover depicting a soccer stadium and a score graphic. A circular sticker is visible on the cover.

Popular booktok books I want to read (pt.7) 🩷

Books hate to see me browsing but not buying 🥰 #books 🫶🏼 #books #booktok #booksoflemon8 #bookrecommendations

3049 likes

The book cover for 'You're Not the Problem: The Impact of Narcissism and Emotional Abuse — And How to Heal' by Helen Villiers and Katie McKenna, featuring nested figures.

An open page from the book 'You're Not the Problem', showing Chapter 9 titled 'Is It Me? Am I the Drama?' discussing self-blame and narcissism.

An open page from the book 'You're Not the Problem', showing Chapter 4 with a Venn diagram illustrating traits of hyper-dependence and hyper-independence.

The best book ever to read for self help

You’re not the problem Impact of narcissism and emotional abuse- and how to heal. You're Not the Problem enables us to recognize these behaviors and realize the profound impact they have had, and still have, and to see the patterns they form in our relationships with parents, partners an

2269 likes

A hand with pink and white patterned nails holds an open book on a white bedspread. The book displays the text "HOW MAY I HELP YOU?". Overlay text reads "IF YOU'RE IN YOUR 20'S READ THIS BOOK!".

A green book titled "ADULT DRAMA AND OTHER ESSAYS NATALIE BEACH" rests on a white bedspread. Overlay text highlights it as a nonfiction memoir, story-driven essays with life lessons, and an easy, short read.

IF YOU’RE IN YOUR 20’S - READ THIS BOOK!

Ok soooooo the drama in/surrounding this book ??? I def recommend it even tho I rated it 3 stars BECAUSE it’s an easy read, has some great life advice and relatable moments, but also the friend drama related to this book is so interesting…. and idk who’s side to choose If you’re confused, I w

1112 likes

Convincing You To Read A Book

I read this book in 4 hours on a day I wasn't busy because I could not put it down. Have you read this book? What books did you read within a day? #books #booktok #lemon8bookclub #lemon8challenge #booksreccomendations

1374 likes

A hand holds several books fanned open on a colorful rug, with text overlay 'if you like this book then read this!' and a yellow arrow pointing downwards, indicating a book recommendation theme.

Two book covers are displayed on a colorful rug: 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' and 'Truly Devious'. Text highlights similarities like teen detectives and mystery series, with ratings of 4.5/5 and 4/5 respectively.

Two book covers are shown on a colorful rug: 'The Cruel Prince' and 'Kingdom of the Wicked'. Text lists similarities such as morally grey Prince, enemies to lovers, and romantasy, with both books rated 4.5/5.

If you like this… then read this! Book edition

Book game time!!! If you like this, then read this edition! 1. If you like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder… read Truly Devious! - Both are YA mystery series - Both follow teen detectives delving into cases no one imagined would have a true conclusion. - Follow the main characters over several

714 likes

This is the saddest book I’ve ever read 😔

‘If He Had Been With Me’ by Laura Nowlin #if he had been with me #sadbook #romancebooks #ifhehadbeenwithme

1399 likes

A flat lay of several book spines, including 'Archer's Voice,' 'The Deal,' and 'Crossed,' with the overlay text 'IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK READ THAT.' The books are arranged on a light background.

Two book covers are displayed: 'Archer's Voice' by Mia Sheridan and 'Things We Left Behind' by Lucy Score. An arrow connects them, suggesting a recommendation. The overlay text reads 'IF YOU LIKED ARCHER'S VOICE READ.'

Two book covers are shown: 'Haunting Adeline' by H.D. Carlton and 'Crossed' by Emily McIntire. An arrow connects them, indicating a reading recommendation. The overlay text says 'IF YOU LIKED HAUNTING ADELINE READ.'

If you like this book read that

Guys I LOVED archer’s voice and I feel like things we left behind is a great alternative, and of course I had to add watch me to this list!! #lemon8bookchallenge #lemon8bookclub #spiciestbooks #booktok #bookrecs

781 likes

The front cover of the book "Recovery from Gaslighting and Narcissistic Abuse, Codependency and Complex PTSD (3 in 1)" by Don Barlow, with a subtitle about emotional regulation and self-caring. The dark blue cover has white text and is resting on a colorful quilted surface.

The best book ever to read for self help

This is my first time posting on here and I’m not really tech savvy like that! But my therapist gave me this book and I’ve been reading it for over a year just because I read it at the pace that I’m going in my transition and healing! But it has a lot of good resources and stuff to help yourself me

14.7K likes

A white rolling cart holds numerous books on three shelves, with a plant on top. A stack of books rests on the floor beside it. An overlay reads, "If you're a true crime fan you should read this book..."

If you’re a fan of true crime read this book

Part of my book haul was this book called… ‘Bright Young Women’ by Jessica Knoll… It is about a notorious serial killer in The Pacific Northwest, who finally works his way down to his last spree in Florida where it all ends at a sorority and the lives of two sorority members are taken. Pamela

89 likes

A grid displaying 12 self-help book covers focused on improving communication skills, including "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, "How to Talk to Anyone," and "Crucial Conversations." The image is titled "12 Books To Improve Your Communication Skills."

A hand holds the book "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, featuring its white cover with red and black text, against a blurred background of green grass and autumn leaves. The text "Self-help book recommendations" is visible at the top.

An artistic image depicts an open, ornate wooden door revealing a dark, red-lit staircase leading downwards. Overlaid on the image is the quote: "BE HEARTY IN YOUR APPROBATION AND LAVISH IN YOUR PRAISE."

Book review you want to read

#selfhelpbooks #lemon8challenge #bookhealing #BookReview #healingjourney #healingvibes #bookwisdom #suchagoodbook #thewilltochoose #inspiration How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie This book was published in 1936 and has sold over 30 million copies.

663 likes

A collage image featuring Kylie Jenner in a red dress, overlaid on a background of a person working on a tablet and laptop. Text reads 'I read every book Kylie Jenner has recommended' with a 4-star rating, and 'Lemon8 @meredithjao'.

The book cover for 'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz, featuring stylized plants with white flowers on a green and brown background. Overlay text provides a 4.1/5 rating and a review about its self-improvement message being a 'tad preachy'.

The book cover for 'Many Lives, Many Masters' by Brian L. Weiss M.D., depicting a crescent moon and clouds over water on a dark background. Overlay text gives a 4.1/5 rating and a review about its 'past lives and soulmates' theme being 'out there'.

I read every book Kylie Jenner has recommended

Kylie Jenner's Book Club: A Survivor's Tale 🙂 So, I recently decided to take a deep dive into the world of celebrity recommendations. Let's just say it was an experience! Started off with this self-improvement book that felt a bit like being lectured by a know-it-all. Interesting mes

269 likes

IF YOU’RE IN YOUR 20’S - READ THIS BOOK!

If you want to start your feminine journey and be more girly, this is the book for you 💕📖 #lemon8b00kclub #nonfiction #selfhelpbooks #feminine #feminineenergy

20 likes

A hand holds a book titled 'BIBLICAL COUNSELING A topical index for Christian living' by Chuck Smith, with a red 'MUST READ!!!!' overlay. The book cover features a geometric design and a cross symbol.

An open book page displays the heading 'DISCERNMENT' and text discussing spiritual understanding. It includes sections for 'God's Perspective,' 'God's Promises,' 'Make a Change,' 'Biblical Examples,' and 'Prayer' with associated Bible verses.

An open book page shows the heading 'FASTING' with text explaining its purpose to strengthen the spirit and its biblical examples. It lists sections for 'God's Perspective,' 'Make a Change,' and 'Biblical Examples' with relevant Bible verses.

A book you need to read! 🤍

Thanks #booktok for recommending this book! Great reference book to study as you grown closer to God! ❤️🤗 🙏🏾 #biblestudy #biblestudyforwomen #biblereading #bibletips Purchase: Amazon

559 likes

The image features a bookshelf filled with books and a pile of opened cardboard boxes and pink padded envelopes on the floor. Overlay text in yellow reads 'FREE BOOKS MY GUIDE TO HOW I GET SO MANY BOOKS FOR FREE'.

The image shows a background of opened packaging materials. Overlay text in yellow and white describes 'NETGALLEY' as an online platform for free e-books and audiobooks from publishers, emphasizing building a reputation by reviewing 80% of gifted books.

The image displays a background of opened packaging materials. Overlay text in yellow and white explains how to use 'LIBRARIES' for free e-books and audiobooks, mentioning the 'Libby' app and registering for multiple library cards.

want to read for free? get cool book PR boxes? 📬📚

I GOT YOU, BESTIE! swipe over. I've said it once, twice, a zillion times - I started all of my book social media accounts with the intent of trying to get free books from publishers. I read A LOT (like 120 books per year) a lot... and I do NOT have the budget or lifestyle to allow for buying

679 likes

Two people wearing jeans and cowboy boots are sitting on green grass. An overlay reads, "A BOOK SCENE CAN'T MAKE ME fall in love," promoting a romance novel.

A book excerpt from "The Pieces We've Lost" is overlaid on an image of two people's legs in jeans and cowboy boots on grass. The text features a romantic confession: "I'm willing to be whatever you want us to be. I've been yours for a while now."

The cover of the book "The Pieces We've Lost" by H.K. Green, featuring a vintage blue pickup truck, is surrounded by arrows pointing to key tropes like "he falls first," "cowboys/rodeo," "found family," and "grief/dealing with loss."

Convincing you to read with one book scene

The Pieces We’ve Lost is now available in KU and paperback! A cowboy romance centered around rodeo. A girl who swore she’d never fall in love with a cowboy after the loss of her dad, and a team roper, jaded from love, who needs to focus on winning and anything other than the girl who wants anyon

792 likes

4 must read book to make 2025 your best year yet

2024 was… a lot. 😮‍💨 But 2025? It’s about to be DIFFERENT. I’m talking more confidence, better decisions, bigger goals, and less overthinking. And honestly? Books like these help me get there. I love starting a new year with books that shift my mindset, challenge how I think, and give me that “w

417 likes

A hand holds three light-colored books on a white bedsheet, with the overlay text "A BOOK I'M terrified TO READ."

The book "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara, featuring a man's face on the cover, rests on a white bedsheet with glasses nearby. Overlay text discusses the book's emotional impact.

The book "A Little Life" is shown propped open on a white bedsheet, with an overlay rating of 4.3/5 and keywords like "Haunting story" and "Emotional rollercoaster."

A book I’m terrified to read

Beautiful yet brutal: Can I handle the emotional punch of “A little life”? A Little Life is everywhere on Bookstagram… A friend of mine also recommend this book and I decide to give it a shot. And I must say, this book is a powerhouse of emotions. It's beautifully written, but let me warn yo

621 likes

read this book if you’re burnt out 🩷🧘🏻‍♀️

Dealing with burnout is extremely hard. Especially when we live in a world that prioritizes being busy CONSTANTLY. Sometimes we don’t even realize we’re burnt out until it takes a physical toll on our bodies! What are some symptoms of burnout? • feeling drained • not able to sleep • moody

5 likes

A person with curly hair holds the book 'Seven Days in June' by Tia Williams, with text overlay 'Read this If you like this song' and 'The book vs The Song'.

A dark, blurry image of two people's faces close together, with text 'WE FOUND LOVE - RIHANNA' and a description about Eva and Shane finding love in a hopeless place.

A silhouette of two people facing each other, with text 'WE FOUND LOVE - RIHANNA' and a description about their undeniable chemistry and strong bond.

Read this book if you like this song

Seven Days in June - The relationship between Eva and Shane reminds me so much of the song We found Love by Rihanna. They found love in a hopeless place that cause a string of unfortunate events. The writing , the plot , the character development everything about this book is a masterpiece. I highl

100 likes

SO excited to read this book 🥰🥰

if u read this book tell me what u think about it (DON'T SPOIL IT)

13 likes

A hand holds the spine of a light-colored book, with pink text overlay reading 'A feminist novel every girl needs to read' and decorative doodles, set against a window background.

Every girl needs to read this book

Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Pérez This is a nonfiction book that gives an in-depth view on sexism, how it’s perpetuated, and where it continues to exist in our society today. I recommend this novel for any girl that feels like they just can’t catch up to their male counterpart and can’

122 likes

A hand with long, orange-tipped nails holds Stephen King's 'The Shining' book. The cover features the title and an image of a wooden door with 'REDRUM' written on it. A bookshelf filled with various books and perfume bottles is visible in the background.

I WILL NEVER READ A STEPHEN KING BOOK AGAIN 🫣

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wow…just WOW! I am literally lost for words omfg this book was AMAZING! I don’t think I have ever had a nightmare due to a freaking book PAPER HAD ME SCARED😂 I see why they call him the KING of horror! From the beginning I was invested. The writing was chef’s kiss 💋 I love how everythin

54 likes

The book "The Power of Feminine Energy" by Amelia Vazquez is displayed on a floral background, stacked with other books. Pink text overlays read "Currently Reading" and "I got them on Amazon," indicating a book recommendation.

IF YOU’RE IN YOUR 20’S - READ THIS BOOK!

What really helped me with was reading this book "The Power of Feminine Energy" by Amelia Vazquez, on Amazon big recommendation 📖💕 I haven't heard much about this book or these people but if you have or have read this book - let's discuss in the comments #lemon8partner #lemo

8 likes

A hand holds the book 'In the FLO' by Alisa Vitti, which introduces the Cycle Syncing Method. The cover mentions a 28-day plan with recipes, workouts, and a biohacking tool kit to unlock hormonal advantage. An overlay reads 'Every Female should read this!'. The Lemon8 watermark is visible.

Every female should read this book!

Another good book! This one is about the cycle syncing method that helps balance hormones. It explains the 4 parts of your cycle different food, exercises, methods to incorporate a different times of the month to best support your menstrual cycle. It gave a lot of great information! Even if

78 likes

A bookstore shelf filled with various books, featuring text overlays that read "Pick a color" and "Get a romantacy Book rec" with an open book icon.

Six torn-paper-edged rectangles in brown, blue, maroon, purple, green, and beige, presented against a blurred background of books, for users to pick a color.

A collage featuring the book covers of "Once Upon a Broken Heart" and "A Curse for True Love" by Stephanie Garber, surrounded by fantasy-themed illustrations like apples, a fox, and a castle.

Find Your Next Romantasy Book to Read✨

Let’s play a game! Pick a color and then swipe and find your next Romantasy (romance-fantasy) read! If you’ve read it already pick your next favorite color and try that one out! Comment below what color you picked! Save the post to add these books to your TBR! They’re worth the read :

64 likes

Book Series I Want to Read 📚24’

Are any of these series’s worth to read? I normally only get one book from a series just in case if I don’t like the first book, I’ve learned the hard way. Of course this is NOT all of the series that I want to read. Everyday my TBR gets bigger and bigger lol. Have y’all read any of these se

6 likes

A BOOK EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ!!!

I finally got around to reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah!!! I DEVOURED this! I honestly was scared I was gonna hate it & it would take me forever to get through, but I read the 500+ pages within a few days! I don’t typically read historical fiction but after this book, I def wan

50 likes

A hand holds the front cover of Ottessa Moshfegh's book "My Year of Rest and Relaxation," featuring a painting of a woman. The image has a pink "BOOK REVIEW" overlay and a "5/5" rating, indicating a positive review on Lemon8.

A hand holds the back cover of "My Year of Rest and Relaxation," which is pink and displays a synopsis, a New York Times Book Review mention, and a quote from The New Yorker. The Lemon8 username is visible at the bottom.

A hand holds open the book "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" to a page titled "Praise for My Year of Rest and Relaxation," showing various positive reviews and quotes from publications like The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly.

the weird girl book you NEED to read this summer

another book finished this year and super excited to talk about this one. seriously I have been so lucky that I have absolutely loved all of the books i’ve read lately. like most of the past few books I have ready have been ones I absolutely loved and it’s going to be super hard picking my favorite

32 likes

See more