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This review is of an ARC version of the book "Bittersweet" of the California Historical Series, book #2 by Cathy Marie Hake. After finishing book #1, "Letter Perfect", I could not help but be intrigued and eager to read the second installation of the lives I had come to care for and love in Folsom and the Broken P.
Receiving this book put me in a bit of a mood, because I ordered it from a swapping website and an ARC copy arrived. A few conversations and corrections later, the sender was extremely nice and apologetic and seemed thoroughly confused about it being an Advanced Reader Copy. Although I am even further confused how you cannot know that by the mostly white cover and the print "Advanced Reader Copy Not for sale" typed at the top and bottom of each page, but oh well, I got over it. Kinda. *wink*
Then, reading the synopsis on the back cover I was even a little more hesitant about reading this book. I just knew that I would not like it. The plot just lined up in a manner that I knew would make me angry.
Well. It took me a while to get through the first book. I read this one in two days. I could not put it down. I was right, I was angry. I was near to spitting nails and completely infuriated with the stupidity and arrogance and self centered... *rant rant rant* I was very upset with the way things turned out and were continuing to turn out. But then, that is the point is it not? Things will happen in our lives that we do not always agree with. We want to dictate to God what we want and how we want it to be. Even when he has something better in mind for the big picture, the stages of getting there are painful and not at all what we want to deal with.
Having finished this book, and in an attempt not to give anything away... I like the ending. It satisfied me. However, on one individual I still think they should have "fixed" a situation that was in their control once they had the power, but they did not and it had to be brought to a solution another way. It is true that it could definitely occur this way. And for these characters lives it did. That does not mean I have to like it. :)
I do recommend this read. I highly recommend that you read book #1 first, because then you will really understand the characters on a deeper level. But I encourage you to read it and share it.
Now.. I need more from Cathy Marie Hake.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 27, 2007
The title for this book is perfect. While I was reading, in the middle, I really felt this book stunk...bitter. But, the very end of the story was great and the lesson was good...sweet. So, if you have the gumption to withstand the bitter, then you'll enjoy the end.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.BecksieBoop
Posted April 3, 2010
I got this book from the library and couldn't wait to read it. It really was a disappointment. I was not convinced that he actually loved her in the end.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.In 1860 California, rancher Galen O¿Sullivan finds twins Ivy and Ishmael Grubb illegally squatting on his land. Unlike people before him who kicked the Grubbs and their wastrel father off their property, Galen allows the siblings to stay in exchange for working at his spread. --- About the same time as he shows kindness, Galen begins to realize he no longer sees Laney McCain, the younger sister of his best friend Josh, as a nuisance. Instead he is falling in love with her she has been in love with him since she was a little girl. Just as he is to make his intentions clear to her and her family, Ivy claims he impregnated her. Though denying this, he is forced to do what he believes is right and marry Ivy. --- Though the ending simplifies matters too expediently, BITTERSWEET is a fine western romance that brings to life Civil War era California through a strong cast. Laney is a wonderful protagonist while Galen is heroic to a fault. Ivy is actually a likable somewhat desperate person who surprisingly will gain audience empathy even as readers will wonder how Laney and Galen will get together that is if they get together. The sequel to LETTER PERFECT (Josh¿s saga) is a fine BITTERSWEET inspirational Americana. --- Harriet Klausner
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Overview
But the arrival of Ishmael and Ivy Grubb, squatters on the O'Sullivans' land, diverts Galen's attention. Though the Grubbs are crass and uneducated, Galen shows mercy ...