Bittersweet

Enjoyed the first in this series, Letter Perfect, but this has a heavier storyline and I struggled to get to the end.

Cathy's done it again. Yet another great book with well-developed characters and a plot that held my attention until the end. Great job! I look forward to more great reads in the future.

I loved this book. Bittersweet wraps around your heart in the first chapter and doesn't let go. This novel, set in the old west, contains an unusually compelling love story that had me turning pages as fast as I could. I really enjoyed Cathy Hake's story, Letter Perfect, and this one was just as captivating. I know this is a book I'll keep on my shelf to read over and over.

Set in 1860 California, young Laney McCain has loved her neighbor, Galen O'Sullivan for as long as she could remember, but unfortunately Galen was slow in realizing Laney had grown-up and was no longer just his best friend's kid sister. Since the death of Galen's father the responsibility of guiding his younger brothers; caring for his ma; and trying to maintain farm and a station for the new Pony Express had been wearing him down. In spite of it all, young Galen draws his strength from his constancy and faith in the Lord. When the Grubb family arrived squatting on the O'Sullivan land, Galen extended the hand of friendship and allowed them to farm in return for the young twins Ishmael and Ivy's help on his farm, in spite of his dislike of their alcoholic and shifty father Mr. Grubb. When Galen realized what a prize Laney would make as his wife and he was just about to propose, Ivy Grubb accused him of impregnating her and Galen in a shot-gun wedding would be forced to wed the liar in front of his whole parish including his beloved Laney. *** In a sequel to Ms. Hake's LETTER PERFECT, where Josh McCain and Ruth found their destiny the reader is brought back to another uplifting emotional tale of love, sacrifice and betrayal in Laney and Galen's story. Beautifully and emotionally rendered the author paints young Laney as having been given mixed signals and wasn't sure at first that Galen recognized the fact that she had grown up. Coming to believe and relatively sure of Galen's love and intentions towards her Laney was devastated by the accusations against Galen. Ms. Hake does a brilliant job of portraying Laney's strength in believing Galen's innocence as she bravely extends the hand of friendship towards young Ivy while her own heart was breaking. Galen was also rendered beautifully as being so honorable, charitable all the while knowing full well he hadn't touched Ivy but would provide for both her and the child even as his own heart was breaking for the pain it was causing his Laney. He would question his faith in the Lord wondering why this had been allowed to happen. The reader will experience joy and heartbreak, laughter and tears, as Laney and Galen come to terms with accept God's will. Brilliantly written, you'll enjoy all of the secondary characters from the younger lovable O'Sullivan siblings to their quirky and eccentric neighbors, as well as despise the sinister and evil men who prey on the defenseless. This author has definitely impressed me with her vivid descriptions of Americana life with inspirational and heart lifting stories that encourage and delight. This is an author who is on my watch list and whom I highly recommend. Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization

Hake continues the tale of the McCains and O'Sullivans in Bittersweet. Laney McCain has had her eyes set on Galen O'Sullivan for years. Galen sees her only as a child, the little sister of his best friend. Despite Laney's prayers it seems that nothing will change Galen's heart. Then Ishmael and Ivy Grubbs enter their lives and nothing will ever be the same. This is a strong story that will keep you guessing until the end. Hake's characters are believable and have a depth that causes the reader to truly feel for them both when they struggle and when they triumph. The story twists and turns when least expected. Hake blends faith and fiction to shine light on Christ's love and forgiveness that are available to every person - no matter their station in life. Her characters reflect godly qualities and challenge the reader to do the same. Readers who love historical Christian fiction will love Bittersweet. Review by: Jill Hart, [...]

Bittersweet is the sequal to Letter Perfect. After reading Letter Perfect, which was so good (read it in 2 days-couldn't put it down!) I was hoping that there would be a sequal with with the character Laney McCain. Bittersweet kept me up until 1 in the morning! The characters in Ms. Hake's books are so down to earth and heartfelt, they are the kind of people we all want to be like. The storyline is easy to follow and keeps moving. The book was creative and fun, and I look forward to her next one. Lori Eulberg