Book Review: Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

Published January 3rd, 2012
Simon Pulse
378 pages (Hardcover)

Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her 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 dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy 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, she knows this chance may very well be her last... (From Goodreads)

Got a spare cupcake and mug of hot chocolate sitting around?  Good.  You're going to need it.

Winter is alive here in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, and Bittersweet is the perfect read for a stormy and cold weekend.  This is particularly true given the state of the NHL and that we will all be up at ridiculous hours to get our World Juniors fix...

Hudson is just your average teenage girl trying to help support her family, save the local hockey team, return to competitive figure skating, balance two boys and some semblance of a social life.  Oh, and school.  Essentially, you can see the disaster forming here.  You feel her determination and pain throughout the book, and can't help but root for her to come to her senses and see what's right in front of her.  Yet, as another small-town girl, I understood her need to escape to something bigger.

As far as those boys go, clearly Team Josh is the only choice.  Our hockey team co-captains have very different approaches to "romance", and as far as I am concerned, their is only one real choice.  Regardless, it was fun to read, and definitely wasn't the worst love triangle ever.

So go grab that hot chocolate, curl up with a warm blanket, and give Bittersweet a read.  If you're a hockey fan though, be prepared for some lockout related anger and hockey cravings to result.

Much love, Samantha