Another great book by Cathy Hake! I loved the story and all of the characters! I especially loved the lesson that was learned! ( )

Taking place at the beginning of the Civil War, this story is set in far off California. The folks on the neighboring ranches of the Broken P and the O’Sullivan spread are long time friends. In fact, Laney has pined for Galen for many years but he just thinks of her as his best friend’s pesky sister. When he finally finds he is sweet on her, things take a very different turn.
This story was filled with spiritual lessons like forgiveness and loving the unloveable. The Gospel is clearly presented and difficult situations are shown as a way to rely on God in any circumstance. The personalities of the characters were very well drawn. This is a worthwhile book to read.
*I purchased this book at a Library sale. All opinions are my own.* ( )

Wow! I was not expecting this story to develop the way it did. I went through so many emotions while reading this, from joy to tears, to sorrow and a lot of anger and frustration at times with people I was learning to appreciate and like!! The title is very well picked, as this story truly showed that the journey to love can be truly 'bittersweet'.

Laney McCain has loved Galen O'Sullivan for years. But Galen can only see her as his best friend's little sister. Against the advice of many, she just can't focus on any other man. (But when Galen suddenly starts to see Laney as a woman he can love, it is a great section of the book).

Ishmael and Ivy Grubb, along with their good-for-nothing dad become squatters on the O'sullivan land. They are uneducated and crass, but Galen and his family, and Laney reach out to help these two in exchange for their help around the farm. Without spoiling anything, let's just say this decision will later cause a huge problem and was what kept me up late into the night reading. As one other person posted, you will ned kleenex. I must say though the author ended this well and showed how our plans aren't necessarily always God's plan, but if we give all our desires to God, He will work things out for our good.

Although you could read this as a stand alone, I highly encourage you to read "Letter Perfect" first as you will get to know these characters and their history so much better. A story I won't easily or quickly forget. Well done Cathy Marie Hake. And I loved the cover picture as it brought back enjoyable scenes from the book. ( )

Laney McCain has very un-subtly been interested in Galen O'Sullivan for years, despite the fact that he only sees her as a kid sister. As his feelings start to change, Galen and Laney team up to help Ivy Grubb and her brother Ishmael, who were found squatting on Galen's land. Before long, rumors and accusations abound and the situation drastically changes. How can God bring about the desires of their hearts when it all seems so hopeless?

Amazing story! And very hard to write about without giving away major plot twists ;) Great lesson in letting go and trusting God with the details. Have some tissues handy! ( )

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. ( )