The Road to Bittersweet

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 7,521 ratings

Price: 9.99

Last update: 08-05-2024


About this item

Set in the Carolinas in the 1940s, The Road to Bittersweet is a beautifully written, evocative account of a young woman reckoning not just with the unforgiving landscape, but with the rocky emotional terrain that leads from innocence to wisdom.

For fourteen-year-old Wallis Ann Stamper and her family, life in the Appalachian Mountains is simple and satisfying, though not for the tenderhearted. While her older sister, Laci—a mute, musically gifted savant—is constantly watched over and protected, Wallis Ann is as practical and sturdy as her name. When the Tuckasegee River bursts its banks, forcing them to flee in the middle of the night, those qualities save her life. But though her family is eventually reunited, the tragedy opens Wallis Ann’s eyes to a world beyond the creek that’s borne their name for generations.

Carrying what’s left of their possessions, the Stampers begin another perilous journey from their ruined home to the hill country of South Carolina. Wallis Ann’s blossoming friendship with Clayton, a high diving performer for a traveling show, sparks a new opportunity, and the family joins as a singing group. But Clayton’s attention to Laci drives a wedge between the two sisters. As jealousy and betrayal threaten to accomplish what hardship never could—divide the family for good—Wallis Ann makes a decision that will transform them all in unforeseeable ways . . .

Top reviews from the United States

Catie
5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2024
This book was so, so beautiful. Donna is so talented and her characters become so real to me. I cried, I laughed, and I loved the characters so much.
ohio quilter
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
Words come alive on the page of Everhart’s book - description of the setting as well as the myriad of feelings that come to an adolescent girl going through unbelievably hard times. Wallis Ann is a true hero and inspiration. How she grows up in the midst of tragedy is a wonder; a real tribute to the human spirit.
carla waugh
5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful story
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book the characters were interesting and believable. The hardships they endured made there dreams come true.
hoppergirl
5.0 out of 5 stars Loving this author
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2024
I tend to binge read authors once I find one that is talented with words, character development, and story lines. This is another coming of age story. Set in the south during the Depression. It sweeps its way into your heart immediately. Taking you in a treacherous journey through a hurricane and a flood. So real that you can feel the water rushing over you. The family of 5 two girls, one a mute, a baby boy, Mom and Dad. Separated by the flood, their journey forward is filled with tragic losses and frightening choices. Well, worth a read!
K Payne
4.0 out of 5 stars Well-paced story-telling
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024
This book is written like a slow, evenly-paced, winding tale reminiscent of the ones you'd hear around the supper table at your grandparents' house from long ago. The story weaves in and out of situations that keep you guessing where the next chapters will lead you. I could envision every character and every bit of scenery in my mind's eye. Both the hardships and the happier times the Stamper family muddles through, kept me looking forward to more. The story takes you through this journey, and ends by dropping you off in a comfortable place where you've been longing to return. I am just discovering this author and plan to read her other books.
sally kennedy
5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED THIS!
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024
This was a book that makes you want to accomplish something! Grown up" Little House"
book. Just loved it!
Linda
3.0 out of 5 stars that was a bit laborious
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024
The story line was good, but oh dear it just seemed to trudge on and on for so long.Halfway I wondered how long can this go on, and seriously thought of quitting. I did finish, nothing earth shattering, just an okay story.
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing story
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2024
It is astounding what people can go through and come out the other side enriched, grateful, and with a deeper understanding of life and with appreciation of others. Beautiful is a word that comes to mind, but what about the agony? It all works together in creating depth of character and and ability to love.

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