What I think you should know:
Bitter Honey by Caryl McAdoo is the twenty second book in the Lockets and Lace collection, a series of standalone books that are connected as American Historical romances. This book takes place mostly in the late 1850s in Louisiana.

What you might need to know:
Odette was forced into prostitution under the one drop rule when she was 13 years old. Caryl McAdoo often allows her characters to have visions and receive messages from God that are very straightforward.

What I think about this book:
I have yet to read a Caryl McAdoo book that I was not enthralled with and Bitter Honey did not disappoint. This was the first book I have read in the Lockets and Lace collection and I now want to go and read the previous 21 books. This book contained two love stories, Claude and Odette and Silas and Samantha. Each story contained its own challenges. Although Samantha thought of herself as a mature 18 year old I felt that her behavior at times was not as mature . Silas was a great character who showed maturity in his decisions. Claude was a joy to read about, I love how it looked past a person’s circumstances and saw who they were to God, what a trait to aspire for! McAdoo has a gift for making stories come to life!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

For quite a while now, I have enjoyed reading the books by Caryl McAdoo. She does such a wonderful job of creating worlds and characters that come to life. Having read her book, “Remi”, I looked forward to reading Bitter Honey that takes up the story of Remi’s stepdaughter Samantha and her love Silas.

Circumstances happen that prevent these two from being together, but five years later they find each other again. I love how they do not immediately come together to go into the sunset.

I also love how at the start of the story how certain people come together to show Silas true Christain love. The characters and storyline captured both my attention and my imagination. I love how her storylines pull me into the character’s life.

So check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review. ( )

It is easy to forget everything around you as you read a book from this author. This story sweeps across lands during 1853. The opening pages were very vivid as a storm destroys Silas’s home and parents. Can you image being all alone to start over after a devastating storm takes everything away from you? Silas is angry at first feeling God had deserted him. How would he ever go on without his parents? I enjoyed reading about the struggles Silas faced and how he grew closer to God each day.
The introduction of Claude was so inspiring. God sent Silas exactly what he needed through Claude. Claude is a man of wisdom and deep faith. The friendship that develops between Silas and Claude is God ordained. God always has a plan and Silas will begin to see where his destiny lies. I loved how unashamed Claude was about sharing his faith. He doesn’t judge anyone and takes every opportunity to share God with others.

Samantha has been in love with Silas forever it seems. Their story is sweet and filled with forgiveness and trust. When you are in love you know it deep down, but Samantha’s stubbornness may cost her the love of her life. The story is rooted in scriptures and takes readers on a journey that explores the true meaning of trusting God. I wanted to tell Samantha to stop acting like a child and admit Silas was her true love. Oh she loves him but does she love him enough to start a new life with him?

While I loved Silas and Samantha’s story it was Odette who caught my attention. This woman represented those who have been abused, tossed aside and felt unworthy. Her story is not so unique but is probably the most powerful example of God’s unconditional love. Her background is shady and all she has ever known was feeling unloved. How could she believe that God would love her and forgive after the life she has led. Let this part of the story really sink in. Have you ever felt unwanted or ashamed? Do you question that God could love you after the sin you have in your life? The author took me back to a time in my life where I never felt good enough or loved. My eyes were really opened to what the story in the Bible about “those without sin cast the first stone,” meant.

I loved how the author not only shared a story of two young people finding their way back to each other and God, but a story of forgiveness, being set free from sin and feeling God’s love forever and a day.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

With God, all things are possible.

A storm turns the world upside down. Young Silas, questioning whether God is real begins to wonder what he shall do now? God sends Claude and his world slowly turns right side up. But is it really? His only love has moved to California and he has no way to contact her. Samantha is wondering why her true love, Silas, has not contacted her - it has been 5 years already.

Would you leave the land that has been in your family for generations to marry the woman you love or would you expect her to leave her family and move across the country to start a new family with you? What follows is a lovely romantic drama — a story of forgiveness, following your dreams and the importance of family. This story also touches on the incredible gift that salvation is to those who believe and how acceptance of that sacrifice changes your whole life. I would highly recommend this wonderful historical novel.

This digital copy was received through CelebrateLit. My impressions and comments were in no way solicited. ( )