Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

This review was supposed to go up on Thursday. I had it ready and everything. I got on the internet after I emailed it to myself and the internet stopped working. I even tried yesterday morning. It still didn't work. It seems to be working fine right now. Thanks for the consideration! There's not going to be a What to Read today because I really wanted to get this review up!

Title: Bittersweet
Author: Sarah Ockler
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Source: Bought
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Summary: 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....

Review: Bittersweet is a fantastic contemp read. In fact, maybe you should stop reading this review and go read Bittersweet. I'm not kidding.

But if you really aren't sure, then read this review. I can only hope that it will convince you.

Hudson is a perfect example of a flawed character. Oh my goodness how I loved that girl! She wants so much more than being the cupcake queen of Watonka. I think all of us can identify with Hudson's insecurities. She doesn't know who she likes, what she wants to do with her life, and she really doesn't know where to call home. Is it really Watonka for Hudson? There are some times when you do want to slap her because of the choices she makes but you can't help but love her. It helps that Hudson can be downright hilarious with her internal dialogue too! 

I love the whole cast of supporting characters. They shone just as brightly as Hudson did!! Hudson coaches some hockey boys during the book. Those hockey boys? Prepare to fall hard for all of them! They were all fantastic and just loads of fun. I'm partial to one of them: Josh. He's such a sweet guy.

Cupcakes play such a huge role in this book. It's one of Hudson's escapes. At the beginning of each chapter there are these cute little cupcake ideas. They added so much to the book.

I don't think I could ever do this book justice. It's almost too special for words but you really just should read it.

Bittersweet is filled with a flawed main character, a hockey team and a place where someday Hudson might be able to call home. 


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These are two of my favorites! :) I hope this isn't illegal! 

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Title: Fixing Delilah
Author: Sarah Ockler
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication Date: December 1, 2010
Source: Bought

Summary: Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.

She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.
Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?

Rich with emotion, Sarah Ockler delivers a powerful story of family, love, and self-discovery.

Review: OH MY GOODNESS! I put off reading Fixing Delilah for a long, long time. I'm so glad that I'm not missing out on the awesome story that is between the two covers now. It was amazing.

Having not read Twenty Boy Summer I wasn't familiar with Ockler's writing style....and I was just blown away. It was breath taking, raw and so beautiful. Now I do want to read Twenty Boy Summer because I want to see if just the writing is as good as this book was.

Delilah was a real character. She was scared, she was broken and you could tell. You rooted her on and she stood up for herself and began to fall in love. I loved her and loved the journey we went on together, no matter how cheesy that sounds.

Fixing Delilah has some romantic elements but it is also is about the bond between mothers and daughters and sisters. The dialogue between these characters, Delilah, her mom, and aunt was realistic. I enjoyed all of it.

And the romance.....WOW! Talk about an amazing love interest. I could not get enough moments between Delilah and Patrick! It was so sweet yet steamy!

I read Fixing Delilah in a day. It was just that good. I was hooked the entire time and I couldn't get enough of Delilah or anything else.

If you're looking for an amazing contemp layered with secrets, relationships, and amazing writing...look no further! Fixing Delilah is the book for you! I know I loved it!

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