Bitter and Sweet

I listened to the audio book. It was a beautiful experience from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend it.

NetGalley thank you for the audio book and ebook!

Rhonda McKnight knows how to write a story and she made me auto buy author. If you enjoyed The Thing About Home you will like this one as well.

This story heartwarming with some sad moments at times. I love a good story that will make me feel. While there are a few characters (Mariah, Sabrina and Tabby) to keep up with it is easy to follow. In addition this book also has a dual timeline.

Bitter and Sweet was the best title for this book - such a heartfelt story.

Women’s fiction, African-American women’s fiction, historical fiction, present-day fiction, and everything amazing about reading a book are in this book! I love historical fiction. I like the fact that this book has passed influences into the current future. I love the fact that this was family history as well and it showed light on a lot of topics that don’t like to discuss. History is not always beautiful and I’m glad that this book exists to share and shed light on all of that. It was so good. I’ll be looking for more from this author!

I liked that this was a dual time line story. I was invested in both storylines, honestly It was a captivating read. I really enjoyed learning about the history of Tabitha’s cooking and eventually owning the restaurant, it was inspiring to witness her resilience. I also enjoyed that the sisters Mariah and Sabrina are able to work on both their individual issues and mend their relationship along the way. Overall, this story was very entertaining and ultimately a tale of faith, family, and forgiveness.

I enjoyed each narrator as they did a great job of bringing each character to life.

I normally don't enjoy books with a ton of characters that I have to keep up with in order for it to make sense, but Rhonda did such a good job of it that I didn't feel overwhelemed. There were multiple times in the book where I was wrecked (Mariahs husband ain't shit). Mariah and Sabrina s dynamic broke my heart something fierce. I loved the grandparents the most. The narrator did a great job with this novel. I devoured this book in 48 hours, highly recommended.

I previously read the digital version of this book and thoroughly enjoyed the story. However, I was curious to see how the audio version would add to an already brilliant story.

I was not disappointed! The narrators Joniece Abbott-Pratt; Angel Pean; Lynnette R. Freeman did a phenomenal job bringing this story to life. I felt ever emotion as these narrators spoke. I could tell each narrator was very passionate about the story as it was shown in their delivery.

As before my favorite line of the book was “Forgive my grief”. That line resonates with me so much because it makes me realize so many actions people take myself included are done because of unhealed grief. Grief comes in many ways. The biggest misconception is that people only grieve death.

I couldn’t recommend this book more. If it were possible I’d give it 10 stars ⭐️! Do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook as well as the printed version.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to review an advance copy of this audiobook.

I found this story to have a lot of depth and a lot of emotion. I have not read a book by Rhonda McKnight before, and I was drawn to the dual timeline, the premise of sisters, and the idea of a family restaurant. Tabitha’s story is authentic and full of rich details. I can hear her passion and desire as she describes her life, her desires, and how she sees herself. As she grows and matures, her fighter spirit and entrepreneurship in a time when it was uncommon for a woman to do so is inspiring. When her old letters are shared with her great-granddaughters, Mariah and Sabrina, by their grandmother, wisdom flows and demands attention. Mariah and Sabrina are both broken and hurting, and I love how their grandmother gently nudges them together and calls them both out when needed. As layers of hurt and pain are peeled back, true healing and growth begins. As each perspective was shared, I really felt like I was experiencing things from that character’s point of view. This was helpful as each of their stories unfolded. Things are not always pretty, or sugar coated, but when it comes to it, these women, this family, stick together and fight for their own. Independence, shame, redemption, restoration, forgiveness, family, and friendship are the key themes explored and handled with grace. I enjoyed the additional benefit of listening to the story narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Angel Pean, and Lynnette R. Freeman. Accents and dialects were captured beautifully and brought authenticity to the story.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Having the digital copy was a great experience to a well written story, but the narrators on the audio version offer realistic visions of the characters and setting.

Bitter and Sweet by Author Rhonda McKnight offers how the past and present collide offering visions of family gatherings and history.

As you turn each page, you'll be swept away by the beauty of tradition and the resilience of the human spirit. "Bitter and Sweet" is a testament to the enduring legacy of family where the echoes of the past resonate deeply in the present.

I invite you to add this one to your reading list and you can thank me later.

Thoughts:
There are times as a reader that you feel like you are at a reading shift. You want to experience some new feelings and thought patterns on a new reading journey. You set outside of your normal genre box in hopes of being captivated by a fresh voice. That is what Rhonda McKnight did for me with this story.

I have not read “The Thing Called Home” yet but I heard of how amazing it was. Bitter and Sweet has become one of my favorite reads this year. This amazing story will draw you in and I promise you will feel every emotion relayed. Every situation will garner a reaction from you. I cussed, I got a case of the water eyes, and I was frustrated all the same. But I completely felt whole after I completed it.

I am not going to spoil the story but I will say this. I loved how the dual timelines were written beautifully. You were able to learn from the past and also see how the present was shaped by things in the past. This is a lesson to us all. Our ancestors have fought for things and we have come from a resilient strong lineage. We have to learn to embrace our differences as well as the trials that come our way. As long as we have a strong support unit and faith, all things will work out. The therapy that was written into this story was felt. I just knew she was speaking to me on several things and I just adored this book.
Get this book. Read it. The audio was performed so well. All 3 narrators did an excellent job with bringing these characters alive.

This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Rhonda McKnight, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and NetGalley.

This is so good! I was unfamiliar with this author before this review but I am most definitely a new fan. This is a family drama about love, growth, and faith. The main characters are Mariah and her younger sister Sabrina. There is a third supporting character, Tabitha, the sisters great-great-grandmother who opened the family restaurant that the sisters are there to save.

This is set in the south with alternating timelines between Mariah & Sabrina in our current times and Tabitha starting about 1910. Mariah is reeling from a sudden unexpected separation and pending divorce which has turned nasty when she gets a call from her grandmother asking her to come immediately. Her grandfather is back in the hospital and they need help with the family restaurant. Sabrina is living an alternative lifestyle in her van and recovering from the loss of her partner and temporary separation from her daughter while trying to build a business when she gets the call from her grandmother to come help at the restaurant.

There is a deep wound between the sisters with its roots in childhood. This addresses parent loss, partner loss, and child abuse. It's handled delicately with respect for how these issues impact a lifetime. It felt very relatable. This presents a wonderful example of the transformative power of therapy. There's also cute kids and light romance.

I'm not a Christian and found the religious aspects of the story mostly sweet, nothing preachy or awkward at all. The importance of love, forgiveness and family are the main Christian themes.

The narrators are Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Angel Pean and Lynnette R. Freeman. All three ladies are amongst my top five narrators. I also love, love, love when audiobooks have individual narrators for each pov character.

Thank you to Rhonda McKnight, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

This is the kind of book you dread writing a review for because there is no possible way to convey the brilliance of the storytelling or the emotional impact it made. So excuse me if words fail.

First, I listened to the audio edition and was completely captivated by the trio of narrators. Janice Abbott-Pratt, Angel Pean and Lynette R. Freeman gave stunning performances, adding to the rich vibrancy of Rhonda McKnight’s words. The result — an exceptional listening experience. I savoured every second.

And, oh my, these sisters and their stories! Deep layers of personal and family drama culminating in divine healing. I was an emotional wreck by the end. (Gentle warning: don’t listen to or read this book in public, especially if you are an ugly crier like I am. Don’t ask me how I know 🙂 )

The author expertly weaves Mariah and Sabrina’s great-great-grandmother’s story into the mix, so – yay – dual timeline. ‘Bitter and Sweet’ honours the legacy of faith and family through generations. So much wisdom and insight! I’ve preordered a print copy because there are so many impactful quotes that I need to highlight and pour over again and again.

A stunning, emotionally-stirring, faith-filled read!

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this novel.

Phenomenal!!! Amazing story with well fleshed out characters. I loved the multiple povs and the past and present timelines. Rhonda does these faith based, historical fiction stories so well and I am a huge fan!! Well done!! The narrator did a great job bringing the story and characters to life! I’d definitely recommend the audiobook to readers.

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.

The narrators of this story did and amazing job of conveying the emotions and personalities of these characters. Definitely a five star read!

Thank you for the advanced copy. This book was great. I thoroughly enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. I love this author’s writing style. This book was about family bonds. Revisiting the past was a major part. The book also showed how things from your past will definitely affect your present day issues. I loved how the author addressed mental health and the dire need to address issues and stop ignoring them. I also loved the historical parts that were entwined in the story. I learned things I didn’t know and that was a plus, I would emphatically recommend this book to read,

After enjoying the ebook I wanted to see if the audiobook lived up to what I imagined the characters would sound like. Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Angel Pean and Lynette R Freeman did not disappoint. Their performances and Rhonda McKnight's skills at storytelling solidify my 5 star rating. I highly recommend Bitter and Sweet in both ebook and audiobook formats. Both spark the same emotions in me. This is definitely in my top 10 books of the year.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this audio audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh this book was so incredibly good and a wonderful audio book to catch up on all the laundry from the weekend. 💛

Sisters Mariah and Sabrina head to Georgetown, South Carolina assuming their grandmas health is declining. But little did they know, her request is actually to help save the family restaurant. Mariah, just dumped by her husband, is trying to figure out life at the moment. Sabrina has been living in a van with her daughter and is looking for something stable. Either girls plan for this new responsibility of the restaurant.

Such a sweet, Christian book. Loved the story, the heartstrings it pulled, the sweet family love, and the finding of each sister.

Thank you @netgalley @thomasnelsonfiction @harpercollinschristian @authorrhondamcknight for this advance copy!

Beautiful dual timeline story about family, family legacy, grief, love... and food!

I particularly appreciate how this highlighted the issue of physical and mental health of Black pregnant and postpartum women and the impact on children who sadly lose their mothers during/post-delivery.

I am excited to read more from McKnight.

I'd already read the book, but I loved it so much I was excited to listen! The audiobook was absolutely perfect. The choice of narrators was so spot on for the characters. I felt like I could close my eyes and visualize the story like a movie.

This book is one of my favorites 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.

There were so many lessons and words of wisdom 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.

Audio is absolutely perfect!! Loved all three narrators voices and had no issues with narration. Felt the voices matched the characters perfectly!!

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.

The audio book was just as amazing as the physical book.
It’s safe to say Ms. Rhonda you have done it again. This will be my favorite book of the year just like The Thing About Home was my favorite last year.
I love dual time line and I especially love when the present learns something from the past. Sisters Mariah and Sabrina both grieving the past they had no control over and now grieving the life they thought would have. The story is weaved in a way that makes you think and forces you, well forced me to look at myself. I cried with the sisters, I healed with these sisters, I learned to forgive with sisters and to learned to love with these sisters. Through the letters of their great-great grandmother they were able to see that the glass is always half full and never empty. This truly spoke to heart.

Bitter and Sweet is a story chock-full of southern culture, coastal nuances, and the rigor of relationships. This dual-time novel brings a lot to the table to be sorted out and laid to rest. It embraces the wisdom of the matriarch, sisters in conflict, loss of love and trust and the resilience we have when we hold to faith and family. It is Christian women’s fiction, with southern flair, at its best.

I have to say that this story in audiobook is stellar. So, if you enjoy this format, this is a book that you will want to listen to. The use of multiple narrators created distinguishable characters and lent clarity to the dual-time frames and multiple POVs.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

"Bitter and Sweet" is a heartfelt and moving story that left me feeling motivated and lifted. I strongly suggest this book to everyone who appreciates moving stories of family, love, and the persistent power of the past to affect the future. It's a five-star book that will stick with you long after you've finished the last page.

Just finished Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight, a beautiful story told in a dual timeline from great grandmothers time and two young women struggling to find their relationship and individual self. Has just the little bit of spirituality that may warm your heart. Story hooks you in from the start and keeps you engaged throughout Narrator is great and overall an enjoyable read. Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook of this story which was released on June 11, 2024.

This was such a wonderful and endearing story to read. It was my first by this author but it certainly won't be the last. The story of these sisters was a polarizing experience for me as the sorry title is aptly suited to the characters we meet. These sisters' lives were shaped by very impactful past and present circumstances, and it was such a full circle moment by the time we got to the end of the story. The pacing was beautifully done. I was engrossed from beginning to end and throughly enjoyed the intertwining of the dual timeliness. The easy part of this book was the bitter, but I was surprised at the circumstances that causes the reader to question how much sweetness is too much.

If you're like historical fiction, dual timeliness, and great books about family finding their way back to each other. Then I highly recommend this master piece!

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins Christian publishing for the gifted audio arc of this wonderful story.

This book was beautifully written & narrated!
Bravo, Bravo!

Last year, I read Rhonda McKnight’s The Thing About Home and was truly blown away at the use of language & imagery. When I heard that Bitter & Sweet was due to be released this summer, I was skeptical as to whether or not she recapture that same magic. But there was no need for me to think that way. Bitter & Sweet is as equally beautifully written, if not better than her previous book. The dual timeline stories are wonderfully woven together while highlighting the Carolina low country. I am hoping that Ms McKnight will continue to take us into more journeys of the Carolina low country exploring familial stories reflecting on the ancestors & today.

This book was told from multiple POVs and over dual timelines. I absolutely loved it! The sisters definitely have a lot of bitterness, both toward each other and the world. Throughout the book we learn why, and even have some sweet sprinkled in throughout. My favorite parts were of Tabitha, the girls great great grandmother. She was such a strong character, and I looked forward to her chapters and story so much!!

I loved this book! It was a book about history, family, & how love unites us all. The narrators were great and really helped bring the story to life. Geographical history of Charleston made the book very interesting as well. The characters could be a tad “love to hate” at times, but united in the end showing us the power of family. My only regret was romantic relationships not having a larger role in the book. I would have loved to seen it explored further with both FMC’s, but nevertheless, this is still a solid 5 star read!

A beautiful story about sisters who are summoned by their grandmother to come together and save the family restaurant. The sisters are each dealing with their own struggles, and their great grandmother's letters give them the strength and hope they needed. Beautifully written a story that is deeply felt.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

I read this book as an audiobook and was swept away with it like I was watching a movie. It is a multigenerational family story that keeps you interested from the first sentence to the last. I will now be reading more by this author. Loved her writing style and the way she can weave a story so beautifully.

McKnight gives us a generational saga following feuding sisters, Mariah and Sabrina and parallels their emotional struggles with the woman who paved the way to opportunity for them years ago, their great, great grandmother Tabitha.

The voice given to each woman is so distinct, relatable, and powerful. Tabitha is a loving woman but with trouble following her for far too long, McKnight shows us that overcoming obstacles also takes time and patience and can blossom into legacy. In present day, we again are presented with strong women we can see our best and worst selves in. Mariah’s been humiliated and betrayed by her ex. Sabrina’s had a lifetime of mishaps and the last thing Mariah wants is her sister’s support in any way. I appreciate how they are written. Imperfect, headstrong and both finding out their purpose.

Their is so much beauty in growth and this novel is a perfect embodiment of this and for these incredible women.

I was incredibly nervous about reading this book. I was introduced to this author from her book The Thing About Home. I loved that book so much that it was my number 1 read of 2023 out of 190 books. So this book had some big shoes to fill because TTAH set the bar extremely high. I procrastinated cracking this one open for fear of disappointment. Now that I have finally read it, WTH was I waiting for?

This book was so good and was extremely well-written. I am a huge fan of dual timeline stories especially those that are based in historical facts. I loved the drama of the two estranged sisters as they navigate their relationship. The forced proximity opens up the path for healing and is reminder of the importance of forgiveness. The author explores the role of Black women and the impact of society’s divisions caused by Jim Crow. This is a story of reckoning and redemption illustrated as a multi-generational saga. We learn about the Gullah Geeche culture and the impact on South Carolina history. This is. a beautiful lesson in history, faith, and relationships.

This book has solidified Rhonda McKnight as an auto-buy author for me.

Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of family dynamics. The narrative follows a young woman as she navigates her relationships while confronting painful truths about her past. McKnight’s authentic writing captures the nuances of emotional struggles and personal growth, making the characters relatable and deeply engaging. Themes of forgiveness and resilience resonate throughout the story, offering readers a thoughtful reflection on the power of healing. This heartfelt novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.