Providence Byrd returns to her home town haunted by the violence of her past and childhood trauma to look for her missing mother. Will she solve her mothers disappearance? Reconcile with her sisters? Take revenge upon her abusive father?

The audiobook is well produced and enhanced the reading experience.

Intriguing, not satisfying though. I didn't feel anything for the characters perhaps their trauma was so emphasized it was desensitizing.

2.5/3

Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for access to an advanced copy of the audiobook.

Thank you to Net Galley for the Arc copy of this title.

This story follow Providence, the daughter of two alcoholic/addicts as she figures out what happened to her mother. Her mother goes missing with not a clue to say where she may be. During this process we learn about Providence and her sister, the awful life they had as children. The book started off a bit slow but it did peak my interest in the second half. The way the story played out was really good and not what I expected. I really felt empathy for Providence and her sisters. Solid 4 stars! I hope this author writes more books like this one.

Every Sweet Thing is Bitter by Samantha Crewson

Thank you Netgalley, and Crooked Lane Books for my ALC!

Providence Byrd hasn’t been back to her hometown since she was sent to prison thirteen years ago. Her crime? Running her mother, Elissa, over with the car. Even though it was an accident, and her mother survived, Providence is now a felon. Though when her mother goes missing, she returns to help search and to be there for her estranged sisters, Harmony and Grace. Providence’s return is not welcome – she is met with resistance and apprehension from the people around town as well as her family.

This story is heartbreaking and hopeful all at the same time. Each character was fleshed out and you could feel their emotions through the page. Something that resonated with me was how the Byrd sisters dealt with their parents’ addictions and shortcomings all at different points in life and how the community did very little to help them as they didn’t want to interfere with the family dynamics in the name of “justice” or “God”. Though the ending was predictable, I will not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone.

Crewson tells a story of family dynamics, small towns communities, trauma, love, and perseverance through beautiful and poignant writing. The narrator, Lindsey Dorcus, did a phenomenal job with this audiobook putting inside Providence's mind. A debut novel unlike any other.

Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter is a haunting, gritty debut that dives deep into family trauma, survival, and the long, messy road to healing. This isn’t just a mystery — it’s a psychological exploration of pain, memory, and what it means to come home to the very people who hurt you.

The story follows Providence Byrd, who returns to her hometown after serving time for running over her mother. Her mission is to find her missing mom, but she ends up confronting a past filled with abuse, abandonment, and fractured family ties. The Byrd sisters — Providence, Harmony, and Grace — are each broken in their own way, and watching how they navigate that pain felt so raw and real.

Crewson handles extremely difficult themes — childhood trauma, abuse, addiction, and self-harm — with honesty and care. I really appreciated how she didn’t gloss over the hard stuff but also gave us glimpses of strength and survival. One thing I found both comical and revealing was how obsessed the author (and Providence) were with pointing out everyone’s noses — it was petty in the best way, and gave the main character a sharp, quietly humorous edge that made her voice feel real.

The narrator, Lindsey Dorcus (@lindseydorcus), did an amazing job bringing this story to life. Her delivery was spot-on — grounded, emotional, and gripping from beginning to end.

The twists in this book surprised me, and the character development was beautifully done. You really feel every emotion these women are going through. My only minor gripe is that it’s a bit of a slow burn, especially at the start — but once it hooks you, it doesn’t let go.

If you’re looking for something dark, emotional, and beautifully written with a heavy dose of grit — this one’s absolutely worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author Samantha Crewson, and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this phenomenal audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This book is heavy. I wouldn't classify this book as a thriller; there were some mystery elements and suspense, however these elements were really secondary to the main focus: Trauma. This book was well written. The main character Providence is flawed, at times morally grey and hard to like but also compelling, relatable and feels like a real person you know. This book felt like more like a complex dark family drama about a dysfunctional fractured family dealing with abuse, addiction, and the lasting effects of these across two generations in a town that seems to sweep things under the rug. The writing pulled me in and once I was hooked I didnt want to put it down. Some parts did lag at times and felt a bit repetitive, but overall it was very entertaining (and emotional) read.

I listened to this one on audiobook and the narrator did a fantastic job! Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC!

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Pub Date: 4/22
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Happy Pub Day to this gem of a book! Every Sweet Thing is Bitter was a book that knocked me off of my feet. I went in completely blind to this one and holy hell was it an emotional rollercoaster.
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This story follows the Byrd Family, specifically Providence, as she returns home to help aide in the search for her missing mother. During this time Providence comes to terms with how her sisters lives have changed and also how people from her past has moved on in life.
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This explores the deepest aspects of addiction and abuse in families. It explores the damages that comes from both. It is dark, hard to read at times but also beautifully heartbreaking. Crewson does a phenomenal job at creating the perfect morally grey main character that you cant help but love.
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I listened to this one via audiobook while reading my copy from @bookofthemonth. Lindsey Dorcus really brought this story to life for me. I loved her narration. If you are thinking of picking this one up I highly recommend the audio.
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Overall, this is a book that will stick with me for a very long time. Its gut wrenching while also heartwarming. It is the perfect story. Huge thank you to NetGalley, Samantha Crewson and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest reviews.

“there are found families… but blood is different. blood is innate. blood is animal. i’ve yet to find something that can replace it.”

“every sweet thing is bitter” is out today! it is a complex story about a woman who has a past of inflicted and inflicting violence. she travels back to her hometown when her mother is declared missing, and has to reckon with her past and the people she left behind.

when i began this book, i expected it to be a whodunnit of sorts, an entertaining mystery. but this book is so so much more. this story unravels so many layers from itself that it’s hard to even define it. ESTIB is about broken families, overcoming abuse, toxic cycles, sisterhood, and taking back your own life. I am a sucker for a story like this. I adored the way the concept of family was explored, and how it defined what makes someone true family. however, i did feel that sometimes it was so excruciating that it became hard to process, leaving me reeling and disconnected.

“blue sisters” meets “madwoman” in this stunning and intricate debut novel and i was honestly so impressed with the great nuance within all of the characters, especially the three sisters.

continually, the mystery is such a whirlwind that unravels in a clever manner. but that’s not all there is to this book. “every sweet thing is bitter” resonated with me on a scary level. it did not leave me completely satisfied with its ending, but only because the ending was so akin to real life. not everything can be tied up into a perfect bow, and sometimes life brings us where we want to be, only for us to realize the ones who are supposed to be dear to us became collateral damage.

finally, this book speaks volumes on abuse and the extreme injustice that so often occurs where abusers are enabled again and again to victimize themselves and continue inflicting harm on others. this was a painstakingly accurate portrayal of how abusers are so often treated, and how they are so rarely held accountable for their actions. that being said, PLEASE check trigger warnings before picking this up!

thank you to @netgalley @dreamscape_media and @shelvesofsamantha for this generous arc!

Providence Byrd has served her time and is attempting to rebuild her life when she gets the call that her mother is missing. Forced to return to her hometown filled with haunting childhood memories, Providence must confront her violent past in order to create a hopeful future.

Every Sweet Thing is Bitter is Samantha Crewson's debut novel. I enjoyed the audio and it definitely kept my attention with many twists and turns in the story. This story deals with the topics of family abuse and trauma brought on by alcohol and violence, secrets, and ultimately redemption and growth. I think the story was good overhaul, but not great. I am looking forward to discussing it with my book club to get their thoughts!

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!