Book Review: Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
Pages: –
Publish date: March 23rd 2016 (First Published January 3rd 2012)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
ASIN: B01DE56OUW
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU
Once upon a time, Hudson Avery knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life and knocked her figure skating dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances, a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.
So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her skating dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet hockey player walks into her life—and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.
It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, this chance may very well be her last….
Bittersweet:
I received a copy of Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler for review, in celebration of all her books now being available in all English-speaking countries digitally, this has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.
This is the second Sarah Ockler book that I have read, I read The Book of Broken Hearts recently and truly enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to Bittersweet and you know what it had? Two of my favourite things books and cooking. I love to cook, and this book had baking everywhere, I was in love.
Hudson used to have everything that she wanted, and one moment turned it all upside down. Now Hudson has been living a life that isn’t what she wants and just goes along with it, she doesn’t believe in second chances. But when things start to change and look up for her, she is both hopeful and absolutely terrified.
I loved Hudson, she was such an interesting protagonist and I wanted to just keep reading about her. Her love for cooking and the way that she thinks, made me connect with her quite a lot.
Family played a big part of Bittersweet. It was heartbreaking at times to see how a betrayal can tear a family apart and never be put back together. Hudson tried to do so much, she gave up so much and still at times it wasn’t enough. Towards the end of the novel, I started to dislike her mother even more than I did to start off with. I understand that her mum has things to do and that she needed her help, however I felt that she asked too much of Hudson and just expected her to do it, without asking.
I adored Bug, Hudson’s little brother. I just wanted to squeeze him. He was adorable and I loved the relationship between him and Hudson.
The romance, it wasn’t my favourite part…for a short time there was a love triangle and you know that grinds my gears. However, the reader can tell from the start who she will end up with. Nevertheless, I also felt it was on the border of instalove. But then again then it wasn’t at the same time.
One of my favourite things of Bittersweet was Hudson’s character arc. We get to see her grow so much from the start, being able to stand up for herself and do what she believes in. She didn’t have people make those choices for her, they help, but only for her to see what the right thing is for her.
Like with The Book of Broken Hearts I enjoyed Sarah Ockler’s writing style, it was captivating and I wanted to keep on reading.
As I said before, I love cooking. So it was actually nice to see some cooking in there. I loved that before each chapter there was a type of cupcake, I was drooling and I need to make some– which I will do soon.
Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler is a beautiful novel about family, heartbreak and triumph, it intertwines romance, humour and betrayal. You are taken on a journey with Hudson, your heart will break and slowly be put back together. Bittersweet is a beautiful contemporary that is a must read.
Have you read Bittersweet? Did you like it? Are you going to read it? Have you read any of her other books? Let’s Chat!
