Returning from a trip to town, he saw a family squatting on his land and told them to leave. The twins, even though grown, were simple people who were uneducated, dirty and poorly dressed; they looked like they had not eaten in a while. Galen agreed to allow them to grow corn on his land and Ishmael would work for him two full days and 3 half days per week. Ivy could cook, so, since his family was on an extended trip and he was alone, she came and cooked and cleaned and weeded the garden.

To the O’Sullivan family, it seemed that maybe Ishmael and Ivy were an answer to prayer. Though plain people who clearly did not know God, the family resolved to project the love and salvation they had and try to win the confidence of the young people. However, when Ishmael drug Ivy into church on Christmas Day and pointed a gun at Galen and then accused him of fathering Ivy’s child, the entire congregation was shocked. Galen was given no choice but to marry her on the spot

Ms. Cathy Marie Hake has a true gift for story-telling and this book is exceptional. The characters are truly phenomenal; they are so believable, it is as if the reader is looking at a picture! I literally had a hard time putting this novel down. It is a sweet story of Christian involvement and love toward others when, truly, it would have been much easier to react in hurt and anger. There are quite a few characters that are truly loveable; they are strong, dynamic people presented in such a way that I felt as if I know them all and love most of them!

I highly recommend this marvelously sweet story of love which becomes Bittersweet!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
May 8, 2007