Reviewer: Trudy Smith
Title: Bittersweet - Sequel to Letter Perfect
Author: Cathy Marie Hake
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 0-7642-0166-2
Release Date: April 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1860/Folsum, CA
Overall rating: 5.0
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: None
Cathy's Website:
www.cathymariehake.com
Laney McCain has set her sites on Galen O’Sullivan, their closest neighbor and her brother’s best friend. Galen always thought of Laney as Josh’s little sister and almost a pest because Laney never did hide her feelings. Laney has matured and become a young woman and she feels the Lord will turn Galen’s heart.
Distractions abound on the O’Sullivan farm when Galen discovers twins, Ishmael and Ivy and their father Mr. Grubb squatting on their land. Galen agrees to let them stay in exchange for Ishmael and Ivy’s work on the farm. The Grubbs need help and the O’Sullivan’s and McCains show them Christian charity. Through their actions and teachings, they know the Lord can turn the Grubb’s heart toward Him.
Laney is proud to share the Lord and her Christian charity with the Grubb’s. As she works with Ivy, Galen is realizing that Laney is a grown woman. He finally understands his feelings for her and come Christmas Day he intends to ask her to be his wife.
Ivy’s devastating circumstances and announcement change Galen plans before he could ask Laney to marry him. The O’Sullivan’s and McCain’s are trying to see the good in this situation but it’s hard for them to see past the lies and come to grips with this turn of events. How can Galen and Laney’s feelings for each other be so wrong? How will they be able to continue to show their Christian charity to the Grubbs’? Only looking to the Lord and seeking His direction can change their bitterness and heartache.
More than anything, Laney and Galen want the Lord to lead and direct them. But how long will they have to wait to see the good the Lord has in store for them?
Again, Cathy Marie Hake writes an inspirational love story that will make you laugh, pull at your heart and ponder your own walk with the Lord. Also a surprise or two adds a little spice.
I enjoyed the life-like characters from Letter Perfect playing a primary role in Laney and Galen’s story. I also loved the way Cathy Marie weaves all character’s walk with the Lord into their every day life. Laney and Galen’s circumstances were tough but Cathy Marie created them to have a staunch faith that, in the end did not waiver. The inspirational message was not overbearing or too preachy and gave me something to think about.
I could hardly put this book down, I can’t think of a thing I didn’t like. I highly recommend Bittersweet; it’s truly an inspiration. I’m anxious to read Cathy Marie Hake’s next story.
Trudy
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Trudy know.
Top
Reviews
Featured Reviews
Archived Reviews