I LOVED this! I felt so connected to the main character and could relate to her. The characters in this story felt so real. Great pacing and I loved the twist. I didn’t expect it at all

I feel like I’ve been reading nothing but boring reads lately so this was a nice change up! While I wish that the story had gone a little deeper in terms of the family relationship and not been so fantastical it was a solid read.

I wanted to enjoy this more than I did... From the synopsis, I was immediately hooked and interested, but the "thriller" execution for me kind of fell flat. It did have one "wow" moment that I was glad to have, but other than that I just did not find myself strongly attached to the characters.

I do think the author did a good job at showing how abuse, grief, and guilt can shape someone's life. I just wish I was more attached to the characters to have that bigger moment with them as they grow and events happened.

This is a heavier thriller. Make sure to check the content warnings, the audio book does not list them, but I believe the physical copies do list them. (CW include: childhood abuse, self harm, addiction)

I did enjoy the narration of this book and I believe it made me enjoy it a little more than had I just read it physically.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and the author for the ALC ✨

I just finished this last week and was completely enthralled by the family secrets. Please check the trigger warnings before reading because this book is heavy. It had the perfect mix of character driven vs plot driven writing to keep you engaged. Honestly the tone and grit almost reminded me a bit of SA Cosby. If you’re looking for some juicy secrets be sure to pick up Every Sweet Thing is Bitter today!

Happy Release Day to Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter by Samantha Crewson!

This powerful, heart-wrenching debut sinks its teeth in from page one and doesn’t let go.

Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter is a raw and haunting exploration of familial trauma, vengeance, and the fragile hope of reconciliation. At its core is Providence Byrd, a queer woman marked by a tragic act of teenage rage: the moment she threw her family's car in reverse and ran over her mother. Though her mother survived, that moment permanently altered Providence’s life—and fractured the already fragile foundation of her family. Now, thirteen years later, with her mother missing and her past still lingering like a bruise that won’t fade, Providence returns home to confront the demons she left behind—chief among them, her abusive father, Tom Byrd.

Crewson’s writing is razor-sharp and deeply emotional, portraying a family unraveling under the weight of abuse, silence, and unhealed wounds. Providence’s journey is as much internal as it is investigative, and the suspense is masterfully paced. The relationships between the Byrd sisters—Providence, Harmony, and Grace—are deeply nuanced, painfully authentic, and laced with years of hurt and longing. Each sister carries her own version of the truth, and watching them navigate their fractured bond adds a powerful layer of emotional complexity to the novel.

I did an immersive read of this book—reading the physical copy while listening to the audiobook—and I can’t recommend this method enough for this title. Lindsey Dorcus’s narration is outstanding. Her tone perfectly matches Providence's fierce vulnerability, adding an extra dimension to an already vivid character. Dorcus doesn’t just tell the story—she inhabits it, breathing life into every tense moment and quiet heartbreak.

This novel doesn’t shy away from heavy topics—religious trauma, abuse, and the long shadows of generational violence—but it handles them with grace and grit. Crewson’s refusal to offer tidy resolutions is part of what makes this book feel so honest. It’s not a story about tying things up with a bow—it’s about surviving the mess, standing up to it, and choosing who you want to become in the aftermath.

Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter is an unflinching, poignant debut that refuses to look away from pain, and in doing so, finds flickers of hope and strength. Providence Byrd is a character who will stay with me for a long time—fierce, flawed, and unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a character-driven, emotionally rich, and beautifully written story that digs into the hard stuff and still finds room for resilience, this one’s a must-read.

"Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter" by Samantha Crewson is a deeply haunting novel that delves into the complexities of family trauma and the pursuit of redemption. The story follows Providence Byrd, who returns to her hometown to confront her abusive father and search for her missing mother. This journey is not only about finding her mother but also about seeking closure and healing the scars of her troubled past.

Providence's quest is both gripping and emotionally intense. Crewson's debut novel, while categorized as a suspenseful mystery, is more accurately described as a psychological drama with elements of mystery. The writing is exceptional, and the characters are intricately developed, making the narrative profoundly engaging. Lindsey Dorcus (@lindseydorcus) excels as the narrator, bringing the gritty and fractured tale to life.

The book begins with a content warning, which is crucial given the themes of abuse, self-harm, and addiction. Crewson does not shy away from the harsh realities of marital and childhood abuse and its lasting effects. The Byrd family, consisting of an abusive father, a passive mother, and three traumatized daughters—Providence, Harmony, and Grace—struggle to cope in their own ways.

Providence's return home after serving time in prison for running over her mother adds a layer of complexity to the story. The women in this book are broken but resilient, surviving as best they can. Crewson captures the raw emotions and the intricacies of their experiences with remarkable skill.

Overall, "Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter" is a compelling and well-crafted debut that explores the dark and painful aspects of family dynamics. It is a gritty and haunting tale that will resonate with readers, though it may be triggering for some due to its intense themes.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS! First off thank you for the chance to read an advanced early copy of every sweet thing is bitter. I’m not usually an audiobook girly, sometimes I find it hard to follow certain Narrators but in this case it was easy and great to follow. The book itself was a nice mystery. The characters, the story itself. All well done

This book centers around the Byrd family; an abusive father, a mother who doesn't know how to protect her children and is focused on her own battles, and three daughters who are very traumatized. Providence (the oldest daughter), is called back home after her mother has gone missing. She may have never felt love towards her mother but wants to be there for her sisters, even if they don't want her around. Providence had served prison time for running over her mother, even if she was not the intended target and she was just trying to protect her.

This book really captures the lasting affects of childhood trauma. This is really well written and showcased how the three Byrd children were dealing with their trauma the only way they knew how.

I bought the book first then Negalley for sending send me the audio ARC so I first want to say Thank you!

Providence is the main character, and she pushed her way through the family issues and unresolved trauma.
This book tackled heavy family issues so govern yourselves accordingly.
Providence, Harmony, Grace, and their mom had me in my feelings for a minute due to all the trauma, it was suspenseful as well. I was mad at the mom for letting Tom hurt her and her girls, that was horrible. How could Providence allow Harmony to go to jail for something she didn’t do, that was mean!
The twisted ending did catch me by surprise which I was happy 😊

Triggers: Child Abuse, Addiction, and Violence
Bookish Quote:
“Sadness will live inside you forever, but rage demands to be acted upon to its fullest, most terrifying extent.”
S/N: I did like the font size for the book it was very easy on my eyes ☺️

The FMC doesn't want to come back to the small town that she escaped from 13 years ago but she needs to find her mother. She also needs to take care of her younger sister in her mother's absence. Will her father finally accept her, not likely.

*Check your TW*

I don't want to give too much away but this was a good page turner.

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC!

I have been looking forward to listening to this book since I first heard about it. A woman is lured back home due to the disappearance of her mother. She has a very tumultuous relationship with her parents and siblings due to her abusive upbringing as well as hitting her mother with a car when she was younger and paying the ultimate price. However, she must put aside her past to uncover what happened to her mother. The cover and the title really drew me in. I think the narrator did a fantastic job narrating this story. Her voice was the perfect fit for Providence. The story was heavily focused on family drama with a little bit of mystery. As the story goes on, you find out how brutal of a childhood the main character had and how she is still trying to cope with what happened to her. Overall, I had conflicting feelings about the way the story unfolded. The mystery behind what really happened to her mother and the choices Providence makes one she finds out also didn't sit well with me. The premise definitely caught my attention but I thought the follow through was okay. I will definitely read the author's next book.

Providence Byrd served time in prison for running her mom over with a car. Now out, and her mom missing, she ventures back into the town she once called home. With an abusive father and two estranged sisters, she’s not exactly warmly welcomed. While unraveling the mystery of her mother’s disappearance she finds things out that haunt her.

This was a thriller like I’ve never read before! Providence is very clearly flawed and struggling with so much post-prison. She has a unique view of the case as she wants to find her mother, even though she attempted murder years prior. There are a few moments within the story that dropped my star rating (no spoilers) but this was a very entertaining listen!

Thank you Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Samantha Crewson for this ALC!

It is hard to believe this is their debut book! It was well written and a very intriguing story. I love a messed up family dynamic. The book is dark and bitter and deals with some trigger warning topics, but it is done in a sensitive way. Most of the characters were unlikable, but in a likable way, if that masks any sense.

The narration was just perfect for this audiobook.

This book was great. As someone that came from an abusive home it’s so interesting to read about stories involving abusive family members. Also we love a lesbian representation 👏 the storyline was entertaining and the narration was awesome. 🛞

This is a raw, gritty and emotionally charged story that explores the deep wounds of a broken family, scarred by abuse, addiction and abandonment. It is a heavy, dark and, at times, deeply unsettling read.

The story follows Providence, recently released from prison after almost running over her mother at the age of seventeen. She returns to her hometown to find her mother missing, her sisters, Harmony and Grace, want nothing to do with her, and the man she intended to kill – their abusive father – is still very much present. What unfolds is a haunting journey of reconciliation, survival and painful truths, as Providence attempts to rebuild her fractured life.

Providence is an incredible protagonist, and I really loved her character. She’s morally grey, messy, brave and real. She is also a lesbian, and her identity is seamlessly woven into the narrative – not treated as a plot device, but simply a natural part of who she is. Her efforts to make amends and confront her past are as heartbreaking as they are courageous.

The atmosphere is almost suffocating, in the best possible way, reflecting the weight of the generational trauma the characters endure. All of the characters, even those you might initially want to dislike, are deeply developed and achingly human. My heart broke for the sisters and everything they experienced growing up.

My only minor criticism is that the beginning felt a little slow, and the story was slightly drawn out in places. However, I remained fully invested and found the writing to be beautiful and immersive.

If you’re drawn to flawed characters, and emotionally rich and complex storytelling, this one is absolutely worth reading.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Samantha Crewson for the early copy.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Providence Byrd hit her mom with a car and somehow that’s not even the wildest thing about her.

Let’s start there.

"Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter" is one of those books that quietly pulls a chair up to your trauma, offers it a drink, and then sets the entire house on fire. And you’ll thank it for the warm glow. Because this story is raw, gripping, and brutally gorgeous.

Providence, our favorite rage-fueled lesbian chaos gremlin, has spent the last thirteen years trying to outrun the defining moment of her teenage life: when she slammed the car into reverse during a nuclear family meltdown — aiming for her abusive father — and hit her mother instead. Don’t worry, mom survived… until she didn’t. Because now she’s missing. And guess who’s being pulled back to small-town Nebraska to investigate, dodge generational guilt like it’s dodgeball, and maybe (definitely) light another match?

If you're thinking “hmm, is this gonna be a cozy little murder mystery with a side of healing?” — stop. This is not that book. This is succulent literary trauma. This is secrets and lies and thorny sister dynamics and a lesbian protagonist with a self-destructive streak so sharp it could slice through steel. Providence isn’t here to be likable. She’s here to be honest. She is grief and anger and love all tangled into one big “oh no she didn’t—but yes she did” moment after another.

Her relationship with her sisters? Deliciously strained. Harmony, initially running from herself so hard she’s practically in orbit, eventually rallies for vengeance. Grace wants peace so badly it aches. And Providence? Providence just wants the truth, which comes at a cost no one warned her about. Honestly, this family is one confessional scene away from being cast on a prestige HBO drama. And the writing? It slaps. Samantha Crewson writes with the kind of quiet fury that turns every sentence into a gut punch wrapped in poetry.

Also, can we talk about how beautifully queer this is without being sanitized for the straights? Providence’s identity isn’t a subplot — it is the plot. Her queerness is defiant, full-bodied, and unapologetic. Her friendship with Sara, an Oglala Lakota woman who brings both warmth and sharp truth to the table, is the kind of soul-deep connection that made me want to call my best friend and cry. This is what chosen family looks like. It’s messy and fierce and loyal, and I adored every second of it.

This story doesn’t offer redemption wrapped in a bow — it offers reckoning. That one scene where Providence and Grace sit in a diner, just sitting in the grief together like it’s the only language they have left? That cracked me wide open. If you're looking for an uplifting girlboss arc where trauma is healed in 300 pages and everyone hugs it out in the end...sorry, no. But if you want a gorgeously written, emotionally brutal, morally complex narrative with a deeply human, queer protagonist who claws her way toward her own version of peace? This is it. This is the one.

4.5 stars. Would die for Providence Byrd. Would also 100% sit in uncomfortable silence with her at a highway diner and call it therapy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced audiobook.

Mixed feelings. I loved the setting on this book… I am a Midwesterner, and I enjoyed reading about places and landscapes I know well. I thought some of the metaphors and language were poignant and lovely.

However, it was quite dark. It also felt a little melodramatic to me. Conversations in particular seemed overwrought. For instance, the last conversation between Connor and Providence just did not ring authentic.

I also didn’t really get the relationship between Providence and her high school girlfriend. I get how their high school affair moves the plot forward, but I didn’t really get why Grace would rely on this friend, especially when Providence had been out of everyone’s lives for so long.

I found the mystery elements pretty engaging. Some twists and turns which were revealed slowly.

I sometimes wonder if I’m growing weary of books where fathers and husbands are just horrible. I know what happens in real life, but I feel it happens way too often in novels.

The audio narrator was good!

This drama centers around the Byrd family: an abusive father, a passive mother, Providence (oldest daughter), Harmony (middle daughter), and Grace (youngest daughter). Providence is returning to her small hometown for the first time since her time in prison after running her mom over with a car. All 3 siblings are traumatized by their upbringing and struggle in their own way.

This was well written and captured the complexity and ugly realities of marital and childhood abuse and the lifelong effects. The women in this book are broken and surviving the only way they know how. This will be triggering for some.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.

Pub Date Apr 22 2025

𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 4/5⭐️
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 2/5 🌶️

Every Sweet This Is Bitter by Samantha Crewson is a new mystery that follows Providence a felon who went to prison at age 17 for aggravated assault who comes back home when her mother goes missing.

Trying to rebuild her life and move on from the horrors she faced as a child she attempts to find her mother and get to know her sisters while confronting her abusive father.

I listened to this and read along with the physical copy. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ALC!

I loved how character-driven this book was. It was really well-written and emotionally charged. It took on a lot of hard hitting topics in a way that showcased them but also showed how they can be overcome.

I really enjoyed the narration! They did such a good job! Definitely a good listen.

The one thing that I had a hard time with was the pacing. At times it felt really slow and then it would feel super fast. It kind of gave me whiplash!

I would recommend this to those who like emotionally charged thrillers with a strong female character.

I loved this one and was surprised to find out it’s the author’s debut. Everything here is well done. The writing is terrific and the characters well developed. I enjoyed the mystery and how it played out. Lindsey Dorcus @lindseydorcus is outstanding as the narrator. Every Sweet Thing is Bitter is an April Book of the Month selection.