Laura based her story in Dalhousie Road, Nova Scotia, Canada, in the 1940′s after World War ll, and captured a glimpse of the history of rural Nova Scotia sixty years ago. The family she created comes alive with interesting authentic dialogue and cleverly written point of view that holds the reader’s attention. I was drawn in right from the first words in chapter one.

The Burbidge family of six moved around a lot, but then finally settled into an old house in a secluded area. They struggled to get by, especially when the father went away to work and soon stopped sending money home. With him not in the picture anymore, and their mother becoming very ill, the four children have to learn how to survive and stay together should they end up alone. Their mother teaches well her older daughter, Pru.

Laura wrote in a way that lures the reader emotionally into the lives of this family whose story is told mainly by Pru. I found I was dismayed by the actions of one child, annoyed by the attitude of a nosy overbearing neighbour and disappointed by a trusted adult who turned out to be untrustworthy in a time of need. I felt the desperation of the children and sided with them in their trying situations.

Without giving away the story – in case you haven’t yet read Bitter, Sweet – I will hint that the challenges of life touched by those who had gone before added an interesting dimension to the story. There are unexpected twists and the reader is left with unanswered questions to answer however one wishes, and not in a disappointing way. ( )

Give this book a read if you enjoy character-driven stories centered around children forced to grow up too quickly, who must fight to protect themselves and their families, with a dash of magic and a hint of the supernatural.

It's a tearjerker, and if you don't get riled up on a character's behalf or if it doesn't tug at your heartstrings, I don't know if too much could. What I enjoyed most was the bond between Pru and Mama. This is classified as Young Adult Literature but I think it's suitable and relevant for all ages. ( )

I love Nova Scotia, so I was hooked right away. Laura Best introduces interesting factual tidbits and various bits of lore and history while telling a page turning story. Though BITTER, SWEET is considered YA, it's not just for kids. :) ( )

What a lovely read. Laura weaves time and point of view into a delicate web that works so well for this touching historical fiction story. The characters come alive with the gentle writing style that mirrors the quiet setting in rural Dalhousie. The situation in which the main characters find themselves, however, is anything but gentle. This contrast is compelling! You are immediately drawn in, totally invested in the future of young Pru, Jesse, Flora and Davey. Defintetly recommended! ( )