A wonderfully complex story about motherhood and the effect of growing up without a birth mother. For sisters Sabrina and Mariah, other family members step up to be there for them. They are both resilient, strong women who often clash with each other but learn from letters left by their great great grandmother, Tabitha, another strong woman.
The story brings to light the difficulties of African Americans in the south in 1915. It is heartwarming to see family pull together, to learn to forgive and support each other through all that life throws at them or what they get themselves into. *The devil likes to use shame. He uses it because it works, but not when you resist him. * Wise and strong grandmother Gail: *Everything we struggle through has a purpose. Good and bad and the bitter and sweet.*
A worthy offering from a very talented author who writes with honesty and sensitivity and shows that faith and grace matter. So glad I read this book and hope to read more.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

Rhonda McKnight's Bitter and Sweet is a poignant exploration of family, resilience, and Southern culinary traditions. The novel deftly intertwines the present-day struggles of sisters Mariah Clark and Sabrina Holland with the historical journey of their ancestor, Tabitha Cooper, in early 20th-century Charleston.

When Mariah and Sabrina are summoned to Georgetown, South Carolina, they expect to address their grandfather's declining health. Instead, they face the challenge of rescuing their family's eighty-six-year-old restaurant. Mariah, recently divorced and forced to leave the diner she helped save, is initially resistant. Her bitterness and reluctance to invest in another struggling business form a compelling character arc as she gradually finds renewed purpose.

Sabrina, on the other hand, views the restaurant as a potential lifeline. Living out of her van and seeking stability for her daughter, she hopes to turn her baking talent into a viable business. The tension between the sisters, fueled by past disagreements, adds emotional depth and suspense to the narrative.

The historical subplot follows Tabitha Cooper, who, after a love gone wrong, finds herself in Charleston, determined to provide for her children through her cooking. Her story of survival and success, revealed through letters, creates a rich, multi-generational tapestry that connects past and present.

McKnight's lyrical writing and vivid descriptions of Southern life and cuisine enhance the narrative. While the pacing occasionally falters and some plot points are predictable, these minor flaws do not detract from the novel's overall impact. Bitter and Sweet is a heartfelt story that celebrates family, heritage, and the redemptive power of love and forgiveness. It leaves readers deeply touched and eager for more.

This was an exceptional and inspirational read! Written very well. The author shows the characters' progressions in realistic and relevant ways. This novel tackles many hard subjects including grief and the concept of therapy v religion but does so without being preachy.

An overall great read. Definitely recommend

After reading Long way home by this author I was thrilled to get an ARC of her newest novel and definitely recommend this one too!

The synopsis sums up the book brilliantly.

Characters you will fall in love with, root for, cry over and laugh with. All the emotions. Death,love, life, healing and redemption also forgiveness.

“Sometimes it’s funny, and sometimes it’s sad. Everything we struggle through has a purpose. That’s what God’s Word says. We have to take the good and bad and the bitter and sweet.”

Inspirational for sure and such healing of souls and relationships while showing relatable real life situations.

“Forgive my grief.” These words will stay with me. As a woman who has had to learn to love myself before being able to love others, the words are simple yet deep and profound.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This story is a heartfelt and engaging exploration of family, legacy, and personal redemption. The plot skillfully weaves together the present-day struggles of sisters Mariah and Sabrina with the poignant history of their ancestor, Tabitha Cooper. The setting of Georgetown, South Carolina, adds a charming backdrop that enriches the narrative with Southern hospitality and tradition.

Overall, this story is a delightful read that balances drama, nostalgia, and hope. It captures the essence of familial bonds and the importance of preserving one’s heritage while finding the strength to move forward. I am really enjoying her writing in dual time.

this was harder for me to get through. it's hard for me when an author goes back and forth with characters and timelines. so each chapter what a different character and there were two timelines: present and the character's great grandma's time.

i finally was able to finish the book and i liked the story line, just with it could have been told differently.

the story was about forgiveness and hardships even if you are a christian, life isn't easy.

Bitter and Sweet is a family drama about two sisters who are called home to save a legacy, and end up saving themselves as well. Mariah and Sabrina are both at a crossroads, trying to figure out their next steps--and it seems their grandmother may have the key.

Set in Gullah country and rich with the cooking and heritage of its people, Bitter and Sweet captured me immediately, and didn’t let go. The writing flowed so easily, the cadence was lovely. It went fast and didn't take me long to read at all--that speaks to the writer's skill.

I loved weaving the history of Mariah and Sabrina’s ancestry into the restaurant they were saving, and tying together what their legacy actually meant. Tabitha’s story was poignant and affirming; very real and I loved that she only had to learn a lesson once. As a young woman led astray by a preying man, her journey in creating a life for her family after his duplicity and death was reflected in Mariah and Sabrina. Her story was THE story. I loved that. Her courage was a wonderful testament to pushing forward no matter how many times you get knocked back, and also that sometimes the solution is going home.

The two sisters struck me—I saw them in each other and was happy their relationship changed. Sabrina was a warrior, the fiercest mama bear, and the strongest of them because the hurt would have made a weaker person hide their heart, and she never did. She was my favorite. Although I genuinely felt for what Mariah had to overcome and was happy she pushed through and went to therapy, ultimately she wasn't a girl's girl and I can't get with that. Why did it take a man (Dante) to make her confront how thoughtlessly she was treating her sister? Why did she spew so much negativity to her sister and swallowed it when it came to her father (arguably the real source of her anger)? She just didn't curl all the way over for me. But it was a good book, great even.

Thank you to Hear Our Voices and Netgalley for the review copy.

This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last. This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I honestly didn't think I would respond to this book the way that I did, but so many themes in this book touched on real life. This book covers it all...family, sisters, bonding, grief, divorce, sickness. you name it, this book has it. It was all written so beautifully and the only think I could think was "Wow...my mama would have loved this book."

I related a bit to Sabrina as the younger sister. I know what it has felt like to feel not so loved by those closest to you. I loved that Mariah sought therapy to help her with herself. She sought help and guidance but focused on healing herself. Then she took accountability. At first, I didn't care for her, but boy does she remind me of my big sister. Strong, firm in her stance, but so loving.

I enjoyed the Gullah references as my husband is Gullah. So its always nice to be able to make those connections. Grandma Tabitha was that girl! I wish she knew what she was capable of. The legacy she left her family after all she endured. She's a strong woman...especially after dealing with Joseph.

Oh, and Kenni's grandma was about to catch these hands at one point. I'm just saying.

Overall, I'm a sucker for historical fiction and in dual timelines and multiple POVs. This was an easy 5 star read for me.

I loved the entire story line! Also with bringing up therapy and how many are afraid of seeking services for better mental health, Mariah was like her great great grandmother in ways. She held on to grief for so long she was shamed on moving forward. But being reminded that things takes time and to believe in faith will instill her back only eh right path. I wish we could’ve heard more of Mariah and Dante story line, we got to know Sabrina and Quentin is engaged. Overall great story.

This was my first book by Rhonda McKnight and it was honestly incredibly. I can't want to discover more works by her. This book was about family through generations. Women facing hardships, but never letting these things stop them from being great. I loved the story of the two sisters. They both had their own personal issues to work through along with not really getting along, but eventually they are able to understand each other better and see eye to eye. They end up coming together to support each other and maintain their family legacy through their great great grandmothers restaurant.

I also loved reading about Tabitha. It gives us a view of how the business came to be. Tabitha was a bright eye young girl who was deceived by a man she thought she loved. Though heartbroken by the unfortunate truths, she's able to start fresh with her children. Despite having fears of seeing her family again after straying from her faith and going against their beliefs, they welcome her back with open arms in the long run.

Definitely a five star read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the second book I’ve read by Rhonda McKnight and just like the other one it did not disappoint. Marian and Sabrina are sisters who both happen to be going through a trying time in life. After receiving messages from their Grandmother to come HOME, things change forever. This story has a lot of poignant stories that are told within the story that pulled at my heartstrings. Learning of Tabitha’s life story and the things she went through before she got to the “Sweet” part of life was just wow. Joseph had me fooled for a minute but my blinders came off quickly. I loved how things went between Tab and Grady. Because I had tears dropping for them by the end. I’m a definite Rhonda McKnight fan now. This was just so beautifully written.
This is the second book I’ve read by Rhonda McKnight and just like the other one it did not disappoint. Marian and Sabrina are sisters who both happen to be going through a trying time in life. After receiving messages from their Grandmother to come HOME, things change forever. This story has a lot of poignant stories that are told within the story that pulled at my heartstrings. Learning of Tabitha’s life story and the things she went through before she got to the “Sweet” part of life was just wow. Joseph had me fooled for a minute but my blinders came off quickly. I loved how things went between Tab and Grady. Because I had tears dropping for them by the end. I’m a definite Rhonda McKnight fan now. This was just so beautifully written.

Thank you Thomas Nelson, HearOurVoicestour, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance

A beautifully written story. I love how the characters are so well developed and the different points of view. Definitely a book I would recommend.
Thankful for an advanced copy.

Get into it . . . . Get into it . . . GET 👏🏽 INTO 👏🏽 IT‼️ This is my second book by McKnight and she delivered a masterpiece yet again. You know a book is good when it evokes a million emotions out of you. One minute you’re happy smiling, the next you’re emotional and in your feelings, then you become angered by some of the actions of these characters.

Dare you to ask what McKnight brought to the table. She served up a multigenerational family story filled with drama, sisterhood, survival, trauma, family legacy and traditions, with a dash of drama, and a whole lot of forgiveness. The title was so perfect for this book because I felt like Mariah was bitter and Sabrina was sweet. But once you really get into their backstory’s you understand why they behave so differently.

I know I’m not the only one who thought Mariah was gonna do her soon-to-be ex-husband like Helen did Charles in The Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Had she done so I wouldn’t have been against it lol sometimes people need to see what it’s like when the shoe is on the other foot. The dual timelines 🤌🏽 (chef’s kiss) I really enjoyed Grandma Tab’s timeline. Joseph……Joseph…..Joseph‼️

Overall, I loved everything about this book highly recommend y’all give this one a read. It was compelling, immersive, and filled with unforgettable characters promise you won’t put it down. The character development and exploration of their emotions was perfectly executed. I literally sympathized with them all even Mariah. I just knew there was more to her mistreatment towards Sabrina. If you’re looking for a book that’s both heartwarming and thought-provoking, and will leave a lasting impression you found it. Special thanks to @authorrhondamcknight @hearourvoicestours & @tnzfiction for my gifted copy‼️

It is one of the BEST reads this year, hands down! My introduction to Rhonda McKnight and THIS BOOK had me running to download other titles to my Kindle. BITTER AND SWEET is your classic Southern story that includes drama, love, class, heartbreak, and redemption. Without giving away too much, there seems to be some generational hold on the women in the family. In 1915, Tabitha Cooper had a dream to open her restaurant. After cooking for her family she decided it was time to make a living out of what she loved. Years later she runs into a gentleman who she later finds out has an entire family (wife and children) and as her mother does not pass the skin color test, she was too dark to be involved with the deceased.

Tabitha's great-granddaughters are going through a struggle all of their own which mirrors Tabitha's all too well. Mental Health, death, and abandonment are all issues tackled as well in this coming-of-age story!

A MUST READ!

Mariah has been mad at Sabrina from the day she was born. Sabrina is struggling just to make it day to day. Their grandfather has fallen sick and their grandmother summons them to Georgetown, South Carolina in order to help revive the family restaurant. Each of the sisters has their own knowledge of food and the restaurant business, but will they be able to work together to get it where it needs to be. With letters from their great-grandmother and knowledge of the past, they have to figure out how to make it work. Mariah is stuck in her ways and just wants to close down and move on. Sabrina is hopeful for the future and would love for their family legacy to live on. Will they be able to find a way to keep the family tradition alive, or will it all fall apart.

Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson books for the opportunity to read and review this title.

At first I really didn't like Mariah, she was a B****. After reading more and learning about why she was the way she was, my heart softened for her. I felt sorry for Sabrina. Being in a situation like she was, was very heartbreaking. My sister and I get along pretty well, so it's hard to see sisters not getting along. Learning about their family history was insightful for me as well as for them. This definitely tugged at my heart strings, to see the generations of family struggle and comeuppance.

I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy generational stories.

Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight was so beautifully written and I couldn't put it down!

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Such a beautiful multigenerational family story! We start with Grandma calling sisters, Sabrina and Mariah, home under vague prentices. They know their grandpa is sick but she doesn't say much. Grandma has a few ulterior motives though and one is for her girls to save the family restaurant. Their stories are told through multiple POVs and dual timelines (which I loved as a historical fiction girly.) It's a story steeped in secrets, shame, and heartache but overcoming it all with love. There's elements of the family's Gullah culture and Christian faith as well. What I particularly loved was it wasn't one of those "let's pray about it" books, but they followed through with action (i.e. therapy.) I loved the main characters (and loved to hate Mariah) and their interactions with the supporting characters. We even get a glimpse of a few budding romances as well. Great- great Granny Tab was my favorite character. Her strength and determination drove her success no matter what obstacles she faced. I just wanted a tiny bit more of her and her restaurant's story. I loved that it worked out for everyone it may have been a little too perfect for me. But in the end, we see Grandma indeed had the recipe for it all! You should definitely grab a copy to see how it all plays out.

Rating: 4.25/5

Rhonda McKnight has done it again with this one. This book flowed so well from the first page to the last. I don’t know what it is about her books, but every time I read them, I feel every emotion and somehow feel comforted by the end of the book.

We are following two sisters in this book who couldn’t be more different. Sabrina and Mariah are brought together by their dear grandmother to figure out their differences, along with revamping the family restaurant. This leads to a journey of healing, love, and understanding.

I loved both timelines, especially Granny Tab’s. Her resilience and strife are a reminder of the foundation that a lot of African American families are built on. Her need to try to figure things out on her own to avoid shame reminds us that if there is a shoulder to lean on, lean on it. Her shame reminds us that epigenetics is real, and we see that carried throughout the entire family. While I loved almost every bit of this book, I do wish we got more of Granny Tabitha’s POV (I’m greedy), and I wish the turn-around for Mariah wasn’t so quick. Some things in the book were almost too perfect for this reader, but that doesn’t take away that much from the story, just something to note.

I have 250 annotations/highlights for this book; if that doesn’t tell you to read it, I don’t know what will. Rhonda McKnight is an auto-buy author for me after this book. She’s earned her place in my book lover’s heart. If you read her work, you will not be disappointed. I’d highly recommend this book.

Bitter and Sweet, by Rhonda McKnight, is a Christian dual time line story that follows Tabatha Cooper, her daughter, and great granddaughters as they all work to keep the family restaurant alive. In the early 1900’s Tabatha starts a restaurant that is past down in her family. Currently it is run by her daughter and her husband. When he becomes ill, she calls her granddaughters home to take over.

This is a well written, easy to read enjoyable story. This story deals with many issues that women find themselves in and struggle with how to move forward. I like how the story shows that God provided the answer to their problems at the right time for each of them. I enjoyed reading of how the sisters worked through not only the issues of the failing restaurant as well the issues of their estranged relationship. This is one of those stories that has so much meaning to it, that it stayed with me after finishing reading it.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

I was thrilled to get this ARC because I connected so heavily with The Thing About Home, and this book did it for me again. This was such a beautiful story that gave me all the feels. Definitely one of my favorite reads this year!

I loved how the author seamlessly alternated between current day and the early 1900s. The dual timelines gave such a unique perspective and had me fully engaged. The story read like a movie.

There were so many lessons and words of wisdom spread throughout this book. I was impressed how the story was able to touch on so many sensitive topics such as PPD, metal health, grief, betrayal, infidelity, family relationships, and more without ever feeling like it was too overwhelming and heavy.

I loved Mariah and Sabrina and was rooting for them both. They were both such strong women in their own ways. Mariah's concern for Jordy was such an extra special piece of the story to me and Sabrina's creativity and tenacity was so admirable. The way they both came running when grandma reached out was also beautiful me because I could relate so deeply with the bond and would've done the same in a heartbeat.

Overall this book was one of a kind and a page turner. I couldn't have asked for more. Rhonda doesn't miss!

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