A Difficult Decision An Update from Hollyhock Books
A Difficult Decision
An Update from Hollyhock Books
Dear Readers,
It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of disappointment that we write to you today.
We have always believed that stories should be accessible. That they should find their way to you freely, warmly, without barriers. That is why we built our streaming service. That is why we launched Hocksbox Shorts. That is why we poured so much love into our digital offerings.
But sometimes, the world has other plans.
Over the past few months, we have been the target of repeated cyber attacks on our streaming service and online audiobook shop. These attacks have been persistent, sophisticated, and deeply disruptive. They have not only compromised the security of our platform but have also made it impossible for us to guarantee the safe, reliable experience that you deserve.
We have tried everything we can think of. We have strengthened our defences. We have sought expert advice. We have worked around the clock to protect what we built.
But we have come to a painful conclusion.
We cannot continue as we are.
What This Means
After careful consideration and with great reluctance, we have taken the decision to postpone A Wonderful Year in Stories indefinitely.
This is not a decision we have made lightly. A Wonderful Year in Stories was our gift to you—a journey through the seasons, through worlds, through the kind of tales that linger long after the final word. It was meant to be a celebration of everything we love about stories.
For now, that celebration must wait.
Additionally, we regret to inform you that our free streaming stories and Hocksbox Shorts are suspended for the foreseeable future. We know how much these meant to many of you—the quiet moments they filled, the bedtime routines they accompanied, the joy they brought to small listeners.
We are sorry. Truly, deeply sorry.
What Comes Next
We have decided to focus our energy on what we can control. What we can protect. What we can do well and safely.
We are turning our attention to physical publishing.
In the coming months, we will be releasing published versions of our stories. Beautiful editions. The kind you can hold in your hands, turn the pages, and place on a shelf where they will wait for you—always, patiently, safely.
No algorithm. No streaming. No cyber attacks.
Just a book. Just a story. Just you.
We know this isn't what you were hoping for. It isn't what we were hoping for either. But we believe it is the right decision—for our readers, for our team, and for the stories we love.
A Word of Gratitude
We want you to know how much your support has meant to us. The messages, the reviews, the stories you've shared about how these tales have touched your lives—they have carried us through difficult times.
You are the reason we keep going.
And we will keep going. Just differently. Just safer. Just with the same love and care we have always brought to everything we make.
A Final Thought
Stories are not fragile things. They survive. They adapt. They find new ways to reach us.
So even though this chapter is closing, another is opening. We will continue to bring you the stories you love—just in a form that feels right for this moment.
We will keep you updated on our physical publishing plans. There will be news. There will be announcements. There will be books.
Please bear with us. Please stay with us.
And thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being part of this journey.
With warmth and regret,
— The Hollyhock Books Team
Look, Listen, Linger, Laugh, and Love.
Even when the path changes, the story continues.
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