Bitter and Sweet

BITTER AND SWEET by RHONDA McKNIGHT is a dual timeline novel, written in beautiful prose, that takes us through the joys and griefs of three generations of an African American family from Georgetown Carolina, starting with Tabitha Cooper in 1915, and ending with her great great granddaughters, Mariah and Sabrina in the present day, who have come to Georgetown at their grandmother’s request to restore Tabby’s Meats & Sweets to its former glory. The depth of the author’s character analysis is outstanding. I particularly like the way she expresses their strong and practical faith in God…..
A strong sense of the strength of family and other relationships, hard work, restoration, and unconditional love is mixed with that of grief, betrayal and hardship.
I cannot recommend Bitter and Sweet highly enough as a most enjoyable and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Wow, what a great book. We meet Tabitha who is the great, great grandmother of Sabrina and Mariah. We get to see these 3 women’s stories and how they intertwine. Mariah and Sabrina are estranged sisters who are back home to help their grandparents as they navigate their broken relationship. We learn about their resilience as well as their relative, Tabitha as she navigates life as a single Mom. There were so many layers in this story regarding betrayal, forgiveness, strength, sorrow and joy. This was simply a wonderful book full of black history. Can’t wait to read more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC; I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This review is also posted on Goodreads.

The title says it all: bitter and sweet. I would also add beautiful and redemptive when describing this book. McKnight crafts a beautiful story that expands over generations and connects sisters in present day.

When their grandfather has a stroke, Mariah and Sabrina's grandmother calls them home with one task: save the family restaurant. Tabby's Meats and Sweets, named after their great-great grandmother, has been passed down over generations of the family matriarchs. Their grandmother is determined to not let it close for good after nearly nine decades of operation.

Mariah is at a crossroads in her life. Her husband has left her, her dream work project has vanished, and she's bitter. Sabrina is living out of her van, grieving the loss of her partner while raising their child, and is trying to find positives in every day life. Both sisters are adamant in the fact that they will never be close. They fail to notice one thing they have in common: they're both looking to hurting and need to heal.

Their grandmother is keenly aware that her granddaughters desperately need healing and reassurance that all will be okay. She encourages the girls to read their great-great grandmother Tabitha's letters from the early 1900's. Readers are immersed into a split timeline where we receive Tabitha's story first hand, feeling the same impact of her experience as Mariah and Sabrina do in present day.

I instantly fell in love with the setting, the focus of the restaurant, and the Gullah traditions. I could practically smell the food as it was described. I felt like I was right there with everyone in Tabby's kitchen. I loved each and every character and grew attached. I was transported into the this family's story, and I was so sad to leave it when I finished reading. But that's the magic of books - I can always go back, and I definitely plan to visit.

Three women, all stronger than they realize. Sabrina and Mariah, sisters who have been at odds for years are now thrown together to try and save their great grandmother’s legacy. A legacy that was founded by hard work and determination. Tabitha who was left with children and nothing much else except her love for cooking. Cooking her much loved Gullah Geeche soul food and wonderful sweets. Her granddaughters have that same passion, they just have to find it. After they discover that family is everything. Wonderful boo. Rhonda McKnight is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. After reading The Thing About Home I couldn’t wait to read this one. Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance. Five wonderful stars.

Rhonda McKnight has written an amazing dual timeline (which I loved) story of sorrow and joy, She masterfully weaves a tale between a great great Grandmother and her descendants Mariah and Sabrina. The result is a beautiful tapestry that shows us life is Bitter and Sweet. Mariah and Sabrina, sisters, learn through the trials and triumphs of their ancestor, that they have within themselves the strength to bring healing, restoration and victory. Fellow readers you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to introduce my bookclubs to this great book, Bitter and Sweet.

The author did an amazing job with writing this book. It was so intriguing how she brought two timelines together in one book. Two sisters who are dealing with their own issues are asked to come home to help preserve the family restaurant while their grandmother tends to their grandfather who had a stroke. The girls read letters from their great-great-grandmother and it showed the importance of how much the family restaurant meant to her and now they are faced with similar challenges.

The author has done an amazing job with the character development. You connect with them and you can feel what they are going through with their issues. This book will have you smiling and crying. I think it is also important to note that the author has brought out how it is okay to seek therapy when life gets too much to handle. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight is a well written novels that speaks a captivating tale of love, loss, and redemption. The authors ability to mesh family drama, healing, secrets and history left me emotionally satisfied. The character development is phenomenal and keeps you engaged from beginning to the end.

The power of forgiveness is a beautiful thing! I love how this books touches on lessons that touch on resilience and also knowing when to let go.

Rhonda McKnight left no crumbs, and as always has you satisfied yet wanting more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

I really enjoyed this book and think that it was very well written. This is the first book by this author that I’ve read. The struggles of this family is very relatable for a lot of people.

Rhonda McKnight continues to prove why she should be on everyone’s “go to author” list. Butter and Sweet is such a great story about two sisters struggles with marriage, life, disappointments, grief/loss, self-discovery, forgiveness and healing. Mariah and Sabrina’s story was so well written. I truly recommend this for anyone who likes a story that will make you feel every emotion.

Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions expressed are all my own.

Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight was everything I hoped it would be and more. I read her novel, The Thing About Home, last year and loved it! Like, loved it, loved it. Though it seemed unfathomable to me when I picked up Bitter and Sweet that I could love it as much as The Thing About Home, I did!

Bitter and Sweet is a dual timeline novel with three narrators: sisters Mariah and Sabrina and their great-great grandmother, Tabitha. Have tissues with you when you read! It will break your heart, but it’ll make you cry tears of joy too. Mariah and Sabrina don’t have a good relationship, but when their grandmother texts them to come home, they do. They both assume that their grandfather, who had a stroke, was worse and that their grandma needed them. She does need them. She needs them to save the restaurant that’s been in their family for almost 100 years. This forces them to work together; at least that’s the plan. From there…well, you have to read it!

Rhonda McKnight has written a novel that’s so moving and convicting and just breathtakingly beautiful. It’s about forgiveness: forgiving others and forgiving yourself. You know the old saying about holding onto grudges hurts you more than it hurts the other person…truth! Bitter and Sweet shows that it’s okay to not be okay; and it’s important to get help when you’re not okay. There is so much depth in this novel, and I wish I had the words to tell you just how much it moved me. I highly recommend this exceptional novel!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This is my first book from Rhonda McKnight and definitely won’t be my last.
She captivated me right from the first chapter. I had such a hard time putting it down.
It’s a powerful story of family and the trials and tribulations that families endure.
A heartfelt story of how sometimes you need to talk and seek out help to get over the past to help you through.
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy for my honest opinion

Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight is a great and thorough read. It is the story of Sabrina and Mariah, two sisters who are completely different, yet have deep and hidden similarities. Along with their story, the story of their descendant, Tabitha is also a story of love, regret and second chances. Her story blends with Sabrina and Mariah who find out about Tabitha thanks to her letters kept by their grandmother. I only say so much because I want the readers to indulge in this beautifully written and informative. You won't regret getting a copy when it is released in June.

Rhonda McKnight's latest novel is a true gem. From the very beginning, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. The characters were so well-developed that I felt like a part of their world, seeing bits of myself in each of them. McKnight's ability to evoke deep emotions in her readers is truly impressive, making this book a definite winner in my eyes. I found myself torn between wanting to know what happened next and not wanting the story to end (or at least follow Kenni into adulthood!). This book has earned a permanent spot on my list of favorites, and I can't wait to revisit it again in the future.

Thanks Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for providing the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

i received a complimentary copy of this book.......(thank you!!) and these opinions are completely my own..... so when you receive a free copy of a book, you never know what you are going to get! somethimes i struggle through a book and it takes me forever...however i finished this book in only a couple of days! i totally enjoyed it!! i usually love books that go back and forth through time...and this did not disappoint!! i loved the time changes and i loved the on going story of the relationship between sisters! the characters were well developed and interesting! i will put this author on follow and definately read another on of her books! thanks again for the advanced copy, it was a very good surprise!!

This is certainly a well named book. There is much bittersweetness within its pages and very real depiction of life's sorrows, jolts and joys. Women made strong thereby get through with help from God, each other and therapy. Themes laced throughout touched on prejudice, forgiveness and reconcilation. There's cautionary input regarding the wiles and lure of some men but also of decent manhood.

I loved the two-pronged timelines of the main protagonists, two sisters who were the great-great granddaughters of Tabitha who struggled but overcame. The parallel-like lives of the two different generations is notable, endearing and helpful to the younger women. Despite the bitterness there were the lovely good, tender and sweet times which gave balance to the emotions as one read through the saga.

I also liked the down-home feel and the input about the Gullah people group, which lent further character to the book with its lingo, recipes and community way of life. I had never heard of the Gullah folks before so this was of interest to me.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and found it to be a good satisfying read.

A 5-Star rating from me.

~Eunice C. Reviewer/Blogger~

March 2024

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A dual timeline novel, Bitter and Sweet follows the story of Tabitha in the early 1920s and her great-great-grandaughters, Mariah and Sabrina in present day. Tabitha's story of perseverance as an African American woman in a male and white dominated world is inspiring. Though she faced multiple trials, Tabitha never stops believing in herself and her capability to care for her children and those around her. We discover that she has written her story in letters and her legacy inspires Mariah and Sabrina to persevere through their own challenges. Never close the sisters are brought together to save their grandparents restaurant. As they each face trials of their own, they learn the importance of family and forgiveness. McKnight also weaves the story of each character's journey with faith throughout. A few of my favorite quotes include, "Tabitha decided she liked doing what was right. She always met Jesus there." and "Everybody is not Christian. Judging them for it won't get them to be." I appreciated each woman's journey towards bettering themselves and the lives of those around them. I didn't want to put this novel down!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book deals with family, grief, secrets, and the sweet redemption that lies within the bonds of sisterhood. Two head strong sisters return home to help with the family restaurant and Grandpa’s health issues. This book is a great read and very interesting. You will find yourself falling in love with all the characters and you will be vested in them. I definitely recommend this book for your summer reading.

Forgive my grief. These are three of the most powerful words contained in this novel and they sum the story up for me. In Bitter and Sweet Rhonda McKnight has penned an awesome novel showing how great one’s life can be impacted by grief. Not all grief is due to death.

I loved this storyline and the characters. This book will cause you to examine your relationships. Perhaps it could be time to let go of some long standing bitterness you may be holding. It definitely serves as a wake up call for me.

I highly recommend this book. I would give it 10 stars if it was possible.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

Bitter and Sweet tell us the story of two sisters, whose relationship is not close. At the same time, it tells the story of their grandmother, Tabitha, who struggled as a single parent in the early 1900’s, yet rose above obstacles in her way. It is a beautiful story of survival, forgiveness, and true love. It was great and. I loved it.. I will highly recommend it.

Oh My Goodness. I LOVED this story. The care. The tenderness. The love. The way I felt for each and every character. McKnight writing is like a spring night on the porch after the rain, in your favorite rocking chair . It’s refreshing. It’s cool to the spirit. It’s the familiar motion that makes everything around you fall away. It’s like your beverage of choice that can either send a buzz clear through to your fingertips and toes. Or a cool drink that cleanses your palette and send a chill down your spine. Or it good be a hot cup of tea that you hold near that not only warm your hands but warms the soul. Rhonda McKnight is an auto buy author for me because I LIVE for all the feels she makes me feel 🙌🏾

Bitter and Sweet is the tale of two sisters, whose lives are derailed in different ways. Mariah and Sabrina haven’t always gotten along, but they must work together to save their grandparents’ restaurant.

Sabrina stole my heart from the get-go because of her difficult situation, plus the relationship with her adorable daughter, Kenni. Also, she’s super creative.

Mariah is the perfect example of individuals who allow circumstances, people, and relationships to make them so bitter, no one can live with them. Her meanness made me dislike her until way later, when she realized who she’d become.

The story kept me engaged and I rooted for both women to find their happy place and move from where life flung them off-course. Their grandmother was smart to bring them together and have them collaborate on a meaningful project, which helped to repair their relationship.

My favorite character was Tabitha, their great-great grandparent (if I remember correctly). She’s a picture of true resilience. After being tricked and ending up in a bad situation, she did everything to not only survive, but eventually thrive.

The novel was nicely flavored with the food and customs of the Gullah-Geechee people and provided an interesting look at the culture. Some of the language reminded me of Jamaican Patois, so of course I sounded out the speech while reading. 😊

Bitter and Sweet took me through a range of emotions, but mostly I cried for Tabitha and Sabrina because of the awful things that happened to them. At the end of the story, I rejoiced for all the characters who found forgiveness, healing, restoration, and love.

If you enjoy stories about families, their struggles and triumphs, and faith, be sure to treat yourself to a copy of Bitter and Sweet.

Rhonda McKnight's "Bitter and Sweet" is a captivating dual-timeline story filled with woe and delight. Through the lives of Mariah, Sabrina, and their great-great-grandmother, McKnight beautifully explores the complexities of family and the power of resilience. Readers will be drawn into the journey of these sisters as they discover their own strength and resilience. A must-read that will leave you feeling both moved and inspired.

WOW. What a GREAT book! I could not put it down and I felt connected instantly. My patrons will definitely love this one!

What a great read to get lost in. Told in dual time, the early 1900's to the present, through a gift of letters.

There is a lot of family dynamics here, and more and more come to light as you continue through this book.

There is a lot information about the Gullah people, I never knew this, and we work with the food from this region, and I loved how this all blends into this story!

There are a lot of family dynamics here, strong women, and you really need to read all the way to the end for it all to blend together. Be ready for strong emotions and a feeling that you want to fight for justice!

I will be look for more from this author!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

Wow! First it was The Thing About Home. Now it’s Bittersweet. I absolutely loved everything about this book. Sabrina & Mariah sister fighting to re open a restaurant that’s been the name sake for 87 years. While grandma is fighting for the love of her life. This is a heartwarming read. Not much drama but more about family sticking together. From broken marriage , sister feud , family crisis i give it 5 stars and will pre-order the hard copy!
Thank You NetGalley for the ARC I just reviewed Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight. #BitterandSweet #NetGalley

What a wonderful story.

# Southernfiction

This story is written on a dual timeline.
One of my favorites. The story goes back In time . For me this was a perfect story.

This is a book that takes you away to another time in another place. Just a Fabulous story.

In the future, we have 2 sisters. Not close, but maybe one day. There's so much about this story. That's just phenomenal, Learning too, get along and be a family. So much loss from the past. A book full of history.

I just absolutely loved this book.
The author has an amazing style of writing.

What I loved about this story everything.

This story reads like a movie. Dual time lines, past and present. What I enjoyed most was the nuances of the characters. There are a lot of people to keep up with in this family drama that spans generations but you get to know each one and how different they all are but have similar life experiences. Two sisters learn their family history and meet their great-grandmother through her letters that their own grandmother had been saving for them. Sometime you aren’t ready to learn a lesson or the timing of information will not be beneficial for you and their grandmother held on to those letters until they were needed.
This family had so many secrets. The past held dangerous but not surprising secrets. The present held secrets that were simply rooted in shame. This story is told so that you learn history of the family before you learn the families secrets. You see in both the past and present how and why those lies and webs began to unravel. This story is well written and the characters are people you know, some of your family, present and long lost. This is a story of family. A story of Gullah culture. A story of forgiveness. A story of love. I recommend this story if you love a family drama/saga or a multigenerational story.

This dual time line book by Rhonda McKnight is a wonderful book about family and how the mistakes we make can be forgiven and we can move on from the past. This dual time line book that alternates between the great-grandma in the 1910's-1925 and present day great grand daughters Maria and Sabrina was wonderfully written. The author talks about Gullah, a southern culture and cuisine found in South Carolina which was new to me and sounds wonderful to try.

There was information on historical struggles of African Americans in the early part of the 20th century which were written about to highlight strengths and weaknesses of human nature. The present day struggles of Mariah and Sabrina were also things that many of us go through - divorce and financial struggles where we see the characters experience growth through working through these things. The author portrays these difficult subjects in a real and caring way. Their grandma does a great job of being an encouragement to both women in the present day timeline.

There is some light romance in the book, but the biggest part of the book is the story of the women of this novel. This is a truly well written women's fiction book. After reading this one, I definitely want to check out other books written by this author. Despite the difficult subjects, the book to me is clean fiction, though geared towards a late high school to adult audience.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.