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Bitter Is the Heart
Haunted by childhood abuse, a woman is forced to care for her cruel elderly mother in this electrifying horror novel exploring generational trauma, perfect for fans of Cassandra Khaw and T. Kingfisher.
Tamar Glass fled an abusive mother when she was eighteen, running away from home to find a better life elsewhere. She has lived in freedom from her mother, Ruth, for decades, until one night she wakes to find her now-elderly mother standing over her bed.
As Tamar takes in her mother, strange events start happening inside her the house is oppressively hot, lights flicker, and cupboards open and shut on their own. Whispers filter beneath her bedroom door. Tamar learns that Ruth has been kicked out of her assisted living home and other facilities refuse to house her and endanger their own residents. Tamar has spent years suppressing her childhood trauma, but it comes rushing back with each strange event in her home. As Tamar copes with their disturbing past which her mother stubbornly refuses to admit to, Tamar can’t shake the feeling that there’s something worse than her mother lurking in the shadows.
Perfect for fans of The Haunting of Hill House, this terrifying novel unravels one dark strand at a time.
Tamar Glass fled an abusive mother when she was eighteen, running away from home to find a better life elsewhere. She has lived in freedom from her mother, Ruth, for decades, until one night she wakes to find her now-elderly mother standing over her bed.
As Tamar takes in her mother, strange events start happening inside her the house is oppressively hot, lights flicker, and cupboards open and shut on their own. Whispers filter beneath her bedroom door. Tamar learns that Ruth has been kicked out of her assisted living home and other facilities refuse to house her and endanger their own residents. Tamar has spent years suppressing her childhood trauma, but it comes rushing back with each strange event in her home. As Tamar copes with their disturbing past which her mother stubbornly refuses to admit to, Tamar can’t shake the feeling that there’s something worse than her mother lurking in the shadows.
Perfect for fans of The Haunting of Hill House, this terrifying novel unravels one dark strand at a time.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2024
16 people are currently reading
1523 people want to read
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September 17, 2024
Haunting or Demon?
After middle-aged Tamar moves back to the neighborhood she grew up in, she wakes one night to find her estranged mother in her bed, dirty, not making sense, and with no memory of how she got there from the care home in which she resides. When Tamar returns her mother to the home, she quickly learns that Ruth has been causing trouble. When Ruth is involved in a terrible incident that leaves her homeless, Tamar is forced to allow her mother to move in with her. Convinced that Ruth has always hated her, Tamar must figure out what has been causing Ruth’s strange behavior in order to save herself and others.
Bitter is the Heart is a terrific creepy horror novel, perfect to read this Halloween season! I enjoyed Mina Hardy’s book After All I’ve Done which contains many similar themes dealing with the mother/daughter relationship, so I thought I would give it a try. The fantastic characterization and suspense kept me invested all the way until the end. Hardy does a great job incorporating the Jewish faith into the plot, which is rare in a horror novel. Unfortunately, the ending felt a bit rushed and I still have several lingering questions.
This book will likely appeal to those who enjoy domestic suspense horror, especially those by Nat Cassidy.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Hallie Bee Bard. I enjoyed her reading and this format, but wish she had done a better job with the Hebrew pronunciations. It was like nails on a chalkboard to someone who knows the language.
4/5 stars
Trigger warning: Abortion
Expected publication date: 9/17/24
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of Bitter is the Heart in exchange for an honest review.
After middle-aged Tamar moves back to the neighborhood she grew up in, she wakes one night to find her estranged mother in her bed, dirty, not making sense, and with no memory of how she got there from the care home in which she resides. When Tamar returns her mother to the home, she quickly learns that Ruth has been causing trouble. When Ruth is involved in a terrible incident that leaves her homeless, Tamar is forced to allow her mother to move in with her. Convinced that Ruth has always hated her, Tamar must figure out what has been causing Ruth’s strange behavior in order to save herself and others.
Bitter is the Heart is a terrific creepy horror novel, perfect to read this Halloween season! I enjoyed Mina Hardy’s book After All I’ve Done which contains many similar themes dealing with the mother/daughter relationship, so I thought I would give it a try. The fantastic characterization and suspense kept me invested all the way until the end. Hardy does a great job incorporating the Jewish faith into the plot, which is rare in a horror novel. Unfortunately, the ending felt a bit rushed and I still have several lingering questions.
This book will likely appeal to those who enjoy domestic suspense horror, especially those by Nat Cassidy.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Hallie Bee Bard. I enjoyed her reading and this format, but wish she had done a better job with the Hebrew pronunciations. It was like nails on a chalkboard to someone who knows the language.
4/5 stars
Trigger warning: Abortion
Expected publication date: 9/17/24
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of Bitter is the Heart in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2024
3.5⭐
Genre ~ domestic horror
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ September 17, 2024
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media
Est Page Count ~ 298 (43 chapters)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 27 minutes
Narrator ~ Hallie Bee Bard
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ nightmares, night walking
Tamar, not Tamara or Tammy, is woken in the middle of the night by someone standing in her room. Yikes! But it's just her 80 year old mother, Ruth, who lives in a home 17 miles away. How did she get there in the middle of the night and why are her feet in rough shape?
Then Ruth gets kicked out of her home, so Tamar has no choice but to take her in. They don’t get along, so this is not going to be fun mother/daughter bonding time. There’s a lot of animosity due to childhood trauma and it took a while to find out why.
This is supposed to be a horror novel. I suppose it has some creepy aspects, but I didn’t find it scary or gory or anything like that. Some disturbing and gross things were done for sure. Probably not a good idea to read/listen in the dark.
Overall, a bit slow moving, but I was pleased with the ending even if it was a bit abrupt. Also, liked how Judaism was incorporated throughout.
Narration notes:
She did okay. I could have went for a little more emotion at times. Easy to listen to at 3x, which is good since I had to power through to finish for pub date.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ domestic horror
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ September 17, 2024
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media
Est Page Count ~ 298 (43 chapters)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 27 minutes
Narrator ~ Hallie Bee Bard
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ nightmares, night walking
Tamar, not Tamara or Tammy, is woken in the middle of the night by someone standing in her room. Yikes! But it's just her 80 year old mother, Ruth, who lives in a home 17 miles away. How did she get there in the middle of the night and why are her feet in rough shape?
Then Ruth gets kicked out of her home, so Tamar has no choice but to take her in. They don’t get along, so this is not going to be fun mother/daughter bonding time. There’s a lot of animosity due to childhood trauma and it took a while to find out why.
This is supposed to be a horror novel. I suppose it has some creepy aspects, but I didn’t find it scary or gory or anything like that. Some disturbing and gross things were done for sure. Probably not a good idea to read/listen in the dark.
Overall, a bit slow moving, but I was pleased with the ending even if it was a bit abrupt. Also, liked how Judaism was incorporated throughout.
Narration notes:
She did okay. I could have went for a little more emotion at times. Easy to listen to at 3x, which is good since I had to power through to finish for pub date.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
October 28, 2024
Tamar is in her late forties, divorced, with no children. She’s relatively happy with her work and her life, until she is forced to become the sole caretaker for her mother. She’s never had a positive relationship with her mother who used to be quite abusive when she was a child. Though she agrees to take her in temporarily, she plans to find a care facility for her as soon as possible. But odd things begin happening now that her mother resides with her, and Tamar’s repressed childhood memories start surfacing. But is there more to the sense of dread than past trauma? Is there something more oppressive lurking in the shadows?
The author did a wonderful job at incorporating tense and spooky scenes throughout the book, even from the beginning. It led to an impending sense of dread and a solid build of tension even though it was a somewhat slow burn. Related to this, the incorporation of the strained mother/daughter relationship and the pain and trauma from that was excellently done. This is a heavy focus of the book and at times it was somewhat difficult to stomach just how awful Tamar’s mother was being, but to me that was an indication of how well the author wrote.
I also quite enjoyed that Tamar’s family was Jewish. This aspect was incorporated in a way that felt realistic. It added much to the characters and the story overall, and I enjoyed the use of Jewish folklore as well. This work is a bit of a slow burn, with more of a focus on past trauma and relationships than on the horror aspects until closer to the end. While I quite liked this and thought that the work had some strong, tense, and spooky moments, people looking for hardcore horror will possibly be disappointed.
If you’re interested in a darker read that explores generational trauma with strong characters, then I recommend checking this one out. The narrator did a fine job bringing this book to life, and it was an enjoyable listen. My thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The author did a wonderful job at incorporating tense and spooky scenes throughout the book, even from the beginning. It led to an impending sense of dread and a solid build of tension even though it was a somewhat slow burn. Related to this, the incorporation of the strained mother/daughter relationship and the pain and trauma from that was excellently done. This is a heavy focus of the book and at times it was somewhat difficult to stomach just how awful Tamar’s mother was being, but to me that was an indication of how well the author wrote.
I also quite enjoyed that Tamar’s family was Jewish. This aspect was incorporated in a way that felt realistic. It added much to the characters and the story overall, and I enjoyed the use of Jewish folklore as well. This work is a bit of a slow burn, with more of a focus on past trauma and relationships than on the horror aspects until closer to the end. While I quite liked this and thought that the work had some strong, tense, and spooky moments, people looking for hardcore horror will possibly be disappointed.
If you’re interested in a darker read that explores generational trauma with strong characters, then I recommend checking this one out. The narrator did a fine job bringing this book to life, and it was an enjoyable listen. My thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 23, 2025
**4.5-stars rounded up**
Bitter is the Heart took me by surprise. This story grabbed hold of me from the first chapter and never let go.
It was shocking, upsetting, disgusting, disturbing, toe-curling and eye-opening all at once.
In this novel we follow Tamar Glass, a woman haunted by childhood trauma who suddenly finds herself stuck caring for her abusive elderly mother, Ruth.
Tamar as a main character had my heart from the start. When I say she is haunted by her childhood, I mean it. There's so much to unpack as far as her past relationship with her mother, as well as her father's death, and even her relationship with her sister, Lovey.
Tamar is also starting to feel the effects of menopause and she has been through a divorce and is now on her own for the first time as an adult. Then mother arrives.
Ruth, Tamar's mother, is reintroduced to her life in a disturbing way. Tamar wakes one night to find her Mom looming in the dark of her bedroom.
Ruth had been living in an Assisted Living facility 15-miles away and she had never been to Tamar's house. How the heck did she end up there?
That scene set the tone for the entire novel. Hardy built out this story so well. She built the drama continuously. It's brutal at times, but I was with Tamar all the way. I think some interactions between Tamar and Ruth could be shocking to some, but I feel like they felt natural and made perfect sense to me.
I feel like this book could have hit especially hard for me because I am close to the same point in my life that Tamar is, and while I can't say I've been through the family struggles that she has, I can relate to a lot of the other aspects of her experiences.
I love that after her divorce she had returned to her hometown after a long period of time away. This did allow her to reconnect with people from her past, including her high school boyfriend, Miguel, who plays an important role in this story.
Incidentally, I also had a hs-boyfriend named Miguel...
There were so many scenes in this that left me with absolute chills, jaw on the floor, completely disturbed and needing more information. Once Ruth gets kicked out of her Assisted Living facility and moves in with Tamar, there was no turning back. It was high speed ahead.
Additionally, I loved the religious elements of this. Tamara is Jewish, and the Jewish faith was incorporated into this story in a big way. I had never read anything where it was done to this extent, and with this many impactful conversations. I feel like this will stand out in my memory because of that representation.
The only negative I can think of was there was a scene involving a puppy that I had to skip through. You'll see it coming, Readers sensitive to animal content beware. Besides that, I was completely enamored with this story.
I noticed the synopsis recommends this for fans of Cassandra Khaw and T. Kingfisher. The Khaw comp I don't get at all. I do see Kingfisher, for sure. While Hardy doesn't include as much dark humor as Kingfisher does, the Domestic Horror elements and Tamar's dry delivery of her thoughts do line up with things such as A House with Good Bones, The Hollow Places and The Twisted Ones.
When I was reading this I kept thinking of Ainslie Hogarth's Motherthing, which I really enjoyed a couple years ago. I ended up connecting with this one more though because I feel like this has a more cohesive and traditional narrative style, which was easier for me to follow.
I also saw my friend, Crystal, compare this to My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon and I completely agree with that. I can't believe I didn't think of that myself while reading it.
If you enjoyed any of the books or authors listed above, you need to check this out. If you enjoy Domestic Horror, or Horror that incorporates Religious elements, you need to pick this up. If you just love Horror and always enjoy diving into a fun, disturbing story, you need to pick this up.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media, for providing me with copies to read and review. The audiobook was so well done. I loved this and can't wait for more from Mina Hardy!
Bitter is the Heart took me by surprise. This story grabbed hold of me from the first chapter and never let go.
It was shocking, upsetting, disgusting, disturbing, toe-curling and eye-opening all at once.
In this novel we follow Tamar Glass, a woman haunted by childhood trauma who suddenly finds herself stuck caring for her abusive elderly mother, Ruth.
Tamar as a main character had my heart from the start. When I say she is haunted by her childhood, I mean it. There's so much to unpack as far as her past relationship with her mother, as well as her father's death, and even her relationship with her sister, Lovey.
Tamar is also starting to feel the effects of menopause and she has been through a divorce and is now on her own for the first time as an adult. Then mother arrives.
Ruth, Tamar's mother, is reintroduced to her life in a disturbing way. Tamar wakes one night to find her Mom looming in the dark of her bedroom.
Ruth had been living in an Assisted Living facility 15-miles away and she had never been to Tamar's house. How the heck did she end up there?
That scene set the tone for the entire novel. Hardy built out this story so well. She built the drama continuously. It's brutal at times, but I was with Tamar all the way. I think some interactions between Tamar and Ruth could be shocking to some, but I feel like they felt natural and made perfect sense to me.
I feel like this book could have hit especially hard for me because I am close to the same point in my life that Tamar is, and while I can't say I've been through the family struggles that she has, I can relate to a lot of the other aspects of her experiences.
I love that after her divorce she had returned to her hometown after a long period of time away. This did allow her to reconnect with people from her past, including her high school boyfriend, Miguel, who plays an important role in this story.
Incidentally, I also had a hs-boyfriend named Miguel...
There were so many scenes in this that left me with absolute chills, jaw on the floor, completely disturbed and needing more information. Once Ruth gets kicked out of her Assisted Living facility and moves in with Tamar, there was no turning back. It was high speed ahead.
Additionally, I loved the religious elements of this. Tamara is Jewish, and the Jewish faith was incorporated into this story in a big way. I had never read anything where it was done to this extent, and with this many impactful conversations. I feel like this will stand out in my memory because of that representation.
The only negative I can think of was there was a scene involving a puppy that I had to skip through. You'll see it coming, Readers sensitive to animal content beware. Besides that, I was completely enamored with this story.
I noticed the synopsis recommends this for fans of Cassandra Khaw and T. Kingfisher. The Khaw comp I don't get at all. I do see Kingfisher, for sure. While Hardy doesn't include as much dark humor as Kingfisher does, the Domestic Horror elements and Tamar's dry delivery of her thoughts do line up with things such as A House with Good Bones, The Hollow Places and The Twisted Ones.
When I was reading this I kept thinking of Ainslie Hogarth's Motherthing, which I really enjoyed a couple years ago. I ended up connecting with this one more though because I feel like this has a more cohesive and traditional narrative style, which was easier for me to follow.
I also saw my friend, Crystal, compare this to My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon and I completely agree with that. I can't believe I didn't think of that myself while reading it.
If you enjoyed any of the books or authors listed above, you need to check this out. If you enjoy Domestic Horror, or Horror that incorporates Religious elements, you need to pick this up. If you just love Horror and always enjoy diving into a fun, disturbing story, you need to pick this up.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media, for providing me with copies to read and review. The audiobook was so well done. I loved this and can't wait for more from Mina Hardy!
September 15, 2024
This book is beyond creepy and while it was weird it was an entertaining wild ride. I’m still sitting here wondering exactly what the heck I just read, and I think this is one I will continue to have on my mind for a while. I started with the audiobook for this one but switched to kindle after about 25 percent, I thought the narrator was doing a good job, but I had the kindle and I’m not a patient person. Tamar moved back home to be closer to her sister and her her nieces and nephews but after her sister’s husband got an a job offer he couldn’t refuse and now Tamar is alone having to deal with her estranged mother. Tamar and her mother always had a difficult relationship and while she takes responsibility to care for her mother she doesn’t do it out of love. But strange things are happening that make Tamar question what really happened at her childhood home before she ran away at 18. This book is definitely pure horror and I really enjoyed the tie ins with Jewish mythology which isn’t something you see often.
December 17, 2024
Format: NetGalley & Physical arc
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: debut
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978163910...
Release Date: Sep 17th, 2024
General Genre: Psychological, domestic drama, thriller
Sub-Genre/Themes: Mothers & Daughters, childhood abuse, generational trauma, no-contact/parent, assisted living home, mental health
Writing Style:
What You Need to Know: "Haunted by childhood abuse, a woman is forced to care for her cruel elderly mother in this electrifying horror novel exploring generational trauma, perfect for fans of Cassandra Khaw and T. Kingfisher."
My Reading Experience: Slow-burn, psychological thriller elements, claustrophobic/intimate setting, domestic drama, toward the middle of the book I felt like the pacing got a little muddy/sloggy, and there is an instance of animal cruelty I thought was unnecessary to the storyline, the tension/suspense had more thriller vibes than horror. In terms of a mother/daughter relationship with elements of mental health and psychological suspense, I would definitely recommend it to readers. I would include it in lists of MCs with Jewish faith as well.
Comps: Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth, My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon, Mothered by Zoje Stage
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: debut
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978163910...
Release Date: Sep 17th, 2024
General Genre: Psychological, domestic drama, thriller
Sub-Genre/Themes: Mothers & Daughters, childhood abuse, generational trauma, no-contact/parent, assisted living home, mental health
Writing Style:
What You Need to Know: "Haunted by childhood abuse, a woman is forced to care for her cruel elderly mother in this electrifying horror novel exploring generational trauma, perfect for fans of Cassandra Khaw and T. Kingfisher."
My Reading Experience: Slow-burn, psychological thriller elements, claustrophobic/intimate setting, domestic drama, toward the middle of the book I felt like the pacing got a little muddy/sloggy, and there is an instance of animal cruelty I thought was unnecessary to the storyline, the tension/suspense had more thriller vibes than horror. In terms of a mother/daughter relationship with elements of mental health and psychological suspense, I would definitely recommend it to readers. I would include it in lists of MCs with Jewish faith as well.
Comps: Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth, My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon, Mothered by Zoje Stage
January 25, 2025
I loved Mina Hardy's 2022 release We Knew All Along and have been meaning to get back to her books, so I figured why not start with her newest, Bitter Is the Heart. This is definitely one of the most unique books I have ever read and takes the cake when it comes to weird and creepy. It all felt very ominous, and I really had no idea what was actually going on until it was revealed in the story. Tamar was a relatable FMC for me, and I felt worse and worse for her as the book went on and more things were revealed. Some of what happens is just so bizarre and I thought Hardy did an excellent job of making it a visual experience. I could picture everything in my head which made it rather traumatic if we’re being honest. 😳🤣
I loved Bitter Is the Heart on audio and felt as though Hallie Bee Bard really captured the entire creepy vibe of the book along with the desperation, and sometimes confusion and panic, of Tamar. I felt fully engaged and freaked out while I was listening and would fully suggest the audiobook for this one. There were lots of moments that grossed me out and some parts are so disturbing I don’t think I will ever forget them. I love that this author can write such fresh and unique plots, and I was just a little stressed out during this one! I would make sure to check triggers prior to reading as there is one scene specifically that broke me a little bit.
Read this if you are looking for a weird (in a good way) and freaky horror book, a book rooted in family dynamics, and love a religious aspect.
Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I received an advanced listening copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved Bitter Is the Heart on audio and felt as though Hallie Bee Bard really captured the entire creepy vibe of the book along with the desperation, and sometimes confusion and panic, of Tamar. I felt fully engaged and freaked out while I was listening and would fully suggest the audiobook for this one. There were lots of moments that grossed me out and some parts are so disturbing I don’t think I will ever forget them. I love that this author can write such fresh and unique plots, and I was just a little stressed out during this one! I would make sure to check triggers prior to reading as there is one scene specifically that broke me a little bit.
Read this if you are looking for a weird (in a good way) and freaky horror book, a book rooted in family dynamics, and love a religious aspect.
Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I received an advanced listening copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 20, 2024
Very slow. Read more like a character driven contemporary drama than a horror or even a mystery. Up until the last 10%.
Reading notes along the way...
6% very creepy so far! Reminds me of the Zoje stage book Mothered with the Scissors on the cover and everything 😅
29% Starting to glaze over and skim a bit. I don't care about the chapters with her old love Miguel or her sister or her old marriage. But I know it can help readers to connect to a character to include these kinds of things. I just want to read about creepy parts with her dreams or her mother acting weird and the tension building.
40% I feel like nothing has really happened so far except for her mom moving in with her. Not a lot of interest. ...there's not really any mystery except for a brief mention of the mom character possibly killing the senior home dog and a car accident that happened in front of their house.
This part while she's visiting her old house is so ridiculous. This would NEVER happen. The audio narrator is so over the top with these voices, especially the little kid.
58% I'm not connecting to this at all. The characters feel flat and detached, I feel like more should have happened by this point to make the reader feel suspicious of the mother character, where to me she's just reading as sick and troubled but not deranged.
89% something is finally happening, unfortunately it's taken so long I just want for it to be over.
100% the themes of generational trauma are interesting, and the possession aspect could have been impactful, but it just took way too long to get there for me
Reading notes along the way...
6% very creepy so far! Reminds me of the Zoje stage book Mothered with the Scissors on the cover and everything 😅
29% Starting to glaze over and skim a bit. I don't care about the chapters with her old love Miguel or her sister or her old marriage. But I know it can help readers to connect to a character to include these kinds of things. I just want to read about creepy parts with her dreams or her mother acting weird and the tension building.
40% I feel like nothing has really happened so far except for her mom moving in with her. Not a lot of interest. ...there's not really any mystery except for a brief mention of the mom character possibly killing the senior home dog and a car accident that happened in front of their house.
This part while she's visiting her old house is so ridiculous. This would NEVER happen. The audio narrator is so over the top with these voices, especially the little kid.
58% I'm not connecting to this at all. The characters feel flat and detached, I feel like more should have happened by this point to make the reader feel suspicious of the mother character, where to me she's just reading as sick and troubled but not deranged.
89% something is finally happening, unfortunately it's taken so long I just want for it to be over.
100% the themes of generational trauma are interesting, and the possession aspect could have been impactful, but it just took way too long to get there for me
September 12, 2024
This book kept the creepy thrills coming. The dynamic between the mother and daughter was almost too real for comfort. I loved the incorporation of the Jewish faith and especially the blessed rosary/cross scene and subsequent conversation between the daughter and her high school boyfriend. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard a conversation like that and it made all the sense in the world. I do feel the ending was a bit rushed. I wish we had had more time to flesh out their relationship in the final chapters. Otherwise, great book!
Thank you Netgally for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgally for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 7, 2024
4.25 stars
Underrated horror book
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Underrated horror book
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTF3TByGE/
August 7, 2024
This is a creepy, dark horror novel that will probably give me nightmares but it was such an unusual and captivating novel that I kept reading! Tamar's mother, 77-year-old Ruth is living in a facility when circumstances force Tamar to take her home to live with her as her sister, Lovey lives in California with her husband and children. But very odd things begin to happen as one minute Ruth appears "normal" and the next she seems catatonic or Tamar finds her feet covered in grass and mud. She hires a caregiver but things continue to escalate as Ruth appears coherent and "normal" but Tamar knows this isn't what typical old age should look like. I Know a fair amount about Judaism but it would be helpful to really understand it as it's a fascinating look at a dybbuk and the forms it may take!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
May 2, 2024
So I’ve seen some reviews complaining that this isn’t scary. No, it’s not. But horror doesn’t need to be scary. It can be disturbing and this one is all kinds of disturbing!
The characters in this book are dark and damaged. You won’t have anyone to truly root for – but the story is fascinating and creepy and kind of hopeless and it fits a certain kind of mood.
I loved the Judaism aspects of this one as well. It brought something different and intriguing.
I would read the author again in a heartbeat.
• ARC via Publisher
The characters in this book are dark and damaged. You won’t have anyone to truly root for – but the story is fascinating and creepy and kind of hopeless and it fits a certain kind of mood.
I loved the Judaism aspects of this one as well. It brought something different and intriguing.
I would read the author again in a heartbeat.
• ARC via Publisher
September 9, 2024
Reading this felt like what I imagine the frog being boiled alive in that metaphor feels like. Simmering and sweating in confusion until those intense last chapters.
This is definitely a horror, but a more unsettling, grunt in disgust rather than fear, kind of horror. I liked it. This could’ve easily went a glowing forgiveness route but didn’t and I respect the story more for it. 3.75 rounded up.
This is definitely a horror, but a more unsettling, grunt in disgust rather than fear, kind of horror. I liked it. This could’ve easily went a glowing forgiveness route but didn’t and I respect the story more for it. 3.75 rounded up.
September 13, 2024
Super Creepy!! I enjoyed this book for the most part. It had that haunting mystery feel for a the first half and the creepy vibes for a great horror all throughout. I couldn’t wait to see how things finished up. The jaw dropping moments aren’t going to be easily forgettable. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review!
August 7, 2024
Tamar Glass grew up in a house where she was neglected at best and physically and emotionally abused at worst. Or maybe that wasn't even the worst. Maybe the worst was the thing standing over her bed, the whispers coming from the drains, the complete and utter aloneness she felt in knowing that there was nowhere to turn, and nobody to believe her. Maybe the worst was seeing how her mother doted on her sister while never sparing an ounce of love or kindness for Tamar. Or maybe the worst was yet to come.
After barely escaping with her life, she never looked back. She is close to her sister but has avoided her mother as much as possible for the past 3 decades. Until the night she awoke to her mother appearing in her bedroom, having left the elderly housing apartment in the middle of the night and walked barefoot all the way to Tamar's house. Now she is stuck with her. The elderly housing complex is kicking her out for unspecified reasons, although something sinister is implied. No other home will take her. Tamar feels duty-bound to care for her until other arrangements can be made, but the creepy happenings that plagued her childhood are starting again.
For me, the pacing was perfect. Secrets are gradually revealed, and disturbing incidents that at first appear to be the normal progression of dementia taking hold of a woman who was never particularly kind to begin with turn undeniably to supernatural evil. Mina Hardy has combined a dysfunctional family dynamic with Jewish folklore for the win. I loved this book.
After barely escaping with her life, she never looked back. She is close to her sister but has avoided her mother as much as possible for the past 3 decades. Until the night she awoke to her mother appearing in her bedroom, having left the elderly housing apartment in the middle of the night and walked barefoot all the way to Tamar's house. Now she is stuck with her. The elderly housing complex is kicking her out for unspecified reasons, although something sinister is implied. No other home will take her. Tamar feels duty-bound to care for her until other arrangements can be made, but the creepy happenings that plagued her childhood are starting again.
For me, the pacing was perfect. Secrets are gradually revealed, and disturbing incidents that at first appear to be the normal progression of dementia taking hold of a woman who was never particularly kind to begin with turn undeniably to supernatural evil. Mina Hardy has combined a dysfunctional family dynamic with Jewish folklore for the win. I loved this book.
April 9, 2024
ARC for review. To be published September 17, 2024.
. Tamar Glass was abused by her mother when she was a child and she got out of the home as quickly as she could, leaving at eighteen. She and her mother have been somewhat estranged for decades, then, one night, Tamar wakes to find her mother, disoriented and standing over Tamar while Tamar is asleep in bed. Tamar has a massive heart attack, dies and that’s the end.
Well, no. That’s what would have happened to me.
Tamar lives on. Then her mother is ejected from her assisted living facility and no other place will take her, so Tamar reluctantly lets her move in. Then strange things start to happen. The house is unbearably hot, cabinets open and shut in their own and Tamar is sleepwalking. Plus Tamar’s childhood traumas come rushing back. What is happening? Who is Tamar’s mother? Or is Tamar the problem?
I’ve got three words for Tamar and those three words are “state mental hospital.” I would have dropped that woman off with a garbage full of whatever, then I would have taken off to Mexico. Tamar, you owe that woman NOTHING, my friend.
So, this was a nice slow burn of a book. I didn’t really know what to expect, so I couldn’t have predicted anything. The Jewish religion was tied in very well. I enjoyed this.
. Tamar Glass was abused by her mother when she was a child and she got out of the home as quickly as she could, leaving at eighteen. She and her mother have been somewhat estranged for decades, then, one night, Tamar wakes to find her mother, disoriented and standing over Tamar while Tamar is asleep in bed. Tamar has a massive heart attack, dies and that’s the end.
Well, no. That’s what would have happened to me.
Tamar lives on. Then her mother is ejected from her assisted living facility and no other place will take her, so Tamar reluctantly lets her move in. Then strange things start to happen. The house is unbearably hot, cabinets open and shut in their own and Tamar is sleepwalking. Plus Tamar’s childhood traumas come rushing back. What is happening? Who is Tamar’s mother? Or is Tamar the problem?
I’ve got three words for Tamar and those three words are “state mental hospital.” I would have dropped that woman off with a garbage full of whatever, then I would have taken off to Mexico. Tamar, you owe that woman NOTHING, my friend.
So, this was a nice slow burn of a book. I didn’t really know what to expect, so I couldn’t have predicted anything. The Jewish religion was tied in very well. I enjoyed this.
October 29, 2025
I love the mothers as monsters trope so much!!
Ruth was scary af! I feel like this is an over looked title for horror fans based on the lower rating average. Excellent addition to spooky season.
Ruth was scary af! I feel like this is an over looked title for horror fans based on the lower rating average. Excellent addition to spooky season.
September 19, 2024
A haunting and suspenseful take on a tumultuous mother-daughter relationship. Tamar and Ruth were fantastic, distinctive characters with interesting behaviours and strong personalities. I enjoyed the creepy vibes, and the secondary characters/victims worked into the narrative to forward the plot in a way that made clear to readers that something foul was afoot. This is a great book for fans of horror and suspense.
September 12, 2024
I chose to read this book because it’s rare that a thriller or horror not only mentions Judaism, but becomes intrinsically important to the plot
Tamar left home aged 18 after her mothers constant physical and emotional abuse. But 3 decades later, with no one else to look after Ruth, Tamar returns
The pace is slow but gripping as we slowly piece the past together. At the same time, it’s clear that Ruth is the source of something strange and malevolent
The focus is on the relationships, but there’s an insidious supernatural element that Tamar can’t escape from. The more time she spends with her mother, the more familiar and frightening the happenings become
The audiobook was wonderful and I especially liked her performance of Ruth. So kind, but creepy
I enjoyed the balance of psychological thriller and horror - this isn’t gory or scary, but it’s super creepy and weird
When we finally get all the answers it’s satisfying, but I would have liked an explanation of the ‘how’. Flashbacks, Ruth’s POV… just more details
Overall, this was such a beautiful metaphor for mother/daughter, relationships, addiction, faith, religion, and ultimately free well
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review
Tamar left home aged 18 after her mothers constant physical and emotional abuse. But 3 decades later, with no one else to look after Ruth, Tamar returns
The pace is slow but gripping as we slowly piece the past together. At the same time, it’s clear that Ruth is the source of something strange and malevolent
The focus is on the relationships, but there’s an insidious supernatural element that Tamar can’t escape from. The more time she spends with her mother, the more familiar and frightening the happenings become
The audiobook was wonderful and I especially liked her performance of Ruth. So kind, but creepy
I enjoyed the balance of psychological thriller and horror - this isn’t gory or scary, but it’s super creepy and weird
When we finally get all the answers it’s satisfying, but I would have liked an explanation of the ‘how’. Flashbacks, Ruth’s POV… just more details
Overall, this was such a beautiful metaphor for mother/daughter, relationships, addiction, faith, religion, and ultimately free well
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review
November 29, 2024
Look. I don't scare easy, and I wouldn't say this one had me quite there, but Mina Hardy's Bitter is the Heart has some of the most unsettling scenes I've read in a horror book a long time.
The last time I was shook this hard was when I read Scott Smith's horror masterpiece The Ruins. That one gave me goosebumps and this one had me clutching my chin like a scandalized schoolgirl. I honestly can't stop thinking about this book!
Bitter is the Heart is one of those stories that questions whether someone is possessed by a demon or if they are experiencing what, quite honestly, is inevitable for all of us: old age and mental decline. In this case, we have a mother, recently kicked out of her nursing home for acting... strange and mean and unsafe, moving in with her estranged daughter.
If you liked the movie The Taking of Deborah Logan, then check this out for sure.
Not only is this story creepy and unsettling, but it goes a lot deeper than I expected it to. The relationship depicted is one of generational trauma and abuse. Some very dark things and dark thoughts are explored here.
There's also a cultural discussion as the characters are Jewish and this story deals with some folklore I was familiar with by name only. I liked seeing it explored on page.
Please, don't let the hideous cover fool you! Mina Hardy's Bitter is the Heart is SO good.
I'll be thinking about this one for a while.
5 out of 5 stars
The last time I was shook this hard was when I read Scott Smith's horror masterpiece The Ruins. That one gave me goosebumps and this one had me clutching my chin like a scandalized schoolgirl. I honestly can't stop thinking about this book!
Bitter is the Heart is one of those stories that questions whether someone is possessed by a demon or if they are experiencing what, quite honestly, is inevitable for all of us: old age and mental decline. In this case, we have a mother, recently kicked out of her nursing home for acting... strange and mean and unsafe, moving in with her estranged daughter.
If you liked the movie The Taking of Deborah Logan, then check this out for sure.
Not only is this story creepy and unsettling, but it goes a lot deeper than I expected it to. The relationship depicted is one of generational trauma and abuse. Some very dark things and dark thoughts are explored here.
There's also a cultural discussion as the characters are Jewish and this story deals with some folklore I was familiar with by name only. I liked seeing it explored on page.
Please, don't let the hideous cover fool you! Mina Hardy's Bitter is the Heart is SO good.
I'll be thinking about this one for a while.
5 out of 5 stars
March 16, 2025
this was okay but ultimately too slow for me. I didn’t connect with the characters or the story at all
March 19, 2025
very unsettling
November 15, 2024
This reminded me a lot of My Darling Girl. So much so that I was getting confused over which was which for a bit. However, Bitter is the Heart, while sharing similarities with My Darling Girl, morphed into its own story.
The darkness of addiction, suicide, and childhood abuse permeate the story, and that's where the true horror lies. The supernatural and trauma blend together to form a truly haunting story.
The darkness of addiction, suicide, and childhood abuse permeate the story, and that's where the true horror lies. The supernatural and trauma blend together to form a truly haunting story.
July 12, 2024
Mina Hardy's novel, 'Bitter Is the Heart,' is not your usual kind of horror, psychological or otherwise. This is a disturing book, no doubt about it, with high-quality writing, perfect for people who enjoy nasty twists, perhaps even appropriate for a thriller-loving audience as well. But there are several caveats before targeting non-horror audiences: the book is incredibly slow, it's repetitive, and requires extreme patience from the reader to arrive finally at the proper payoff. On the other hand, even when one reads the interminable monologues, it's easy to appreciate the chilling atmosphere, the mysterious plotlines, the suspenseful build-up. I enjoy slow burns and this kind of (literary, yet easy to read) writing. My single complaint would be that I'd preferred less ambiguity; it made me ambivalent about the ending. I expected something like "The Taking of Deborah Logan," and it wasn't that. Still, the theme of the "toxic mother" was handled skillfully and the ending did satisfy. So I'm a Mina Hardy fan for sure!
September 23, 2024
Mina Hardy is on her way to becoming an auto-buy author. While this wasn't spectacular, the premise was so interesting and bizarre. I read Like A Mother by this author and was shocked by all the bat shit insane things that went on there. This was similar in terms of crazy.
This next part is spoilery, so proceed with caution ⚠️⚠️⚠️🚨🚨
Tamar's reaction or lack thereof was very odd to me. She pieced together that her mother has an actual demon inside of her and barely reacted, which I just thought was odd. I feel like her cool and calm attitude throughout the book just didn't match what was going on. Perhaps she was just used to all the nonsense because she's dealt with it for her entire life, but I don't know. I wish she reacted more appropriately.
And when her mom/demon literally ripped out the Rabbi's throat!?! No reaction at all? Ok....
This next part is spoilery, so proceed with caution ⚠️⚠️⚠️🚨🚨
Tamar's reaction or lack thereof was very odd to me. She pieced together that her mother has an actual demon inside of her and barely reacted, which I just thought was odd. I feel like her cool and calm attitude throughout the book just didn't match what was going on. Perhaps she was just used to all the nonsense because she's dealt with it for her entire life, but I don't know. I wish she reacted more appropriately.
And when her mom/demon literally ripped out the Rabbi's throat!?! No reaction at all? Ok....
April 9, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of Bitter Is the Heart.
This is my second Mina Hardy book (one thriller and one horror) and unfortunately I do not think she is an author for me. This was probably the least scary horror book I've ever read, it was more just...sad and kind of a downer of a story. If I hadn't been provided a copy for review, I would have DNF at 50%.
Sadly, I can't recommend. 2 stars.
This is my second Mina Hardy book (one thriller and one horror) and unfortunately I do not think she is an author for me. This was probably the least scary horror book I've ever read, it was more just...sad and kind of a downer of a story. If I hadn't been provided a copy for review, I would have DNF at 50%.
Sadly, I can't recommend. 2 stars.
November 3, 2024
"Bitter is the Heart" by Mina Hardy is a family drama and horror. It's mostly a psychological horror, but there is some physical violence as well.
Tamar is about 50 years old and has moved back to her hometown to be close to her sister. Then, the sister's family moved cross country. Tamar found herself as the one in charge of her elderly mother. One night, she wakes up to find her mother, Ruth, standing over her in the dark. Soon, her mother is evicted from the assisted living home for very confusing and inscrutable reasons.
With no other options, Tamar has to bring her mother home to live with her. In childhood, her mother was abusive to her. Tamar had moved out at 18 years old.
Weird things happen more and more. Can't tell you any more without spoilers. But for those of you who have - OMG that hair thing?!!! This is a very disturbing book! If you can handle that, you might like this one. It's well written.
Characters - 4/5 (all unlikable and messed up)
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 3/5
Pacing - 2/5 slow in parts
Unputdownability - 2/5
Enjoyment - 2/5
Narration - 4/5 by Hallee Bee Bard
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 24/8 = 3 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Mina Hardy for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Tamar is about 50 years old and has moved back to her hometown to be close to her sister. Then, the sister's family moved cross country. Tamar found herself as the one in charge of her elderly mother. One night, she wakes up to find her mother, Ruth, standing over her in the dark. Soon, her mother is evicted from the assisted living home for very confusing and inscrutable reasons.
With no other options, Tamar has to bring her mother home to live with her. In childhood, her mother was abusive to her. Tamar had moved out at 18 years old.
Weird things happen more and more. Can't tell you any more without spoilers. But for those of you who have - OMG that hair thing?!!! This is a very disturbing book! If you can handle that, you might like this one. It's well written.
Characters - 4/5 (all unlikable and messed up)
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 3/5
Pacing - 2/5 slow in parts
Unputdownability - 2/5
Enjoyment - 2/5
Narration - 4/5 by Hallee Bee Bard
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 24/8 = 3 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Mina Hardy for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
September 18, 2024
3.5. Tamar escaped her abusive mother at the age of 18 but is absolutely shocked when she wakes up to find her unwell mother hovering over her bed. How did she find her? Why is she there?
This book was so creepy! I was hooked from the beginning wondering what on earth her mother was doing there and empathizing with Tamar for having to have contact with someone she was trying to heal from. There were some truly disgusting parts in this book and I loved it. I did find the ending to be a little boring but I enjoyed the entire journey it took to get there. This was definitely a solid creepy read!
This audiobook was narrated by Hallie Bee Bard. She did an excellent job portraying all roles. I felt the suspense and unease throughout the performance!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Mina Hardy, and Crooked Lane Books for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review. This publishes today September 17th.
This book was so creepy! I was hooked from the beginning wondering what on earth her mother was doing there and empathizing with Tamar for having to have contact with someone she was trying to heal from. There were some truly disgusting parts in this book and I loved it. I did find the ending to be a little boring but I enjoyed the entire journey it took to get there. This was definitely a solid creepy read!
This audiobook was narrated by Hallie Bee Bard. She did an excellent job portraying all roles. I felt the suspense and unease throughout the performance!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Mina Hardy, and Crooked Lane Books for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review. This publishes today September 17th.
September 19, 2024
Bitter Is The Heart is DARK and I loved every second of it. Exploring generational abuse, addiction, and other deep topics - be sure to check the trigger warnings on this one before diving in.
I love books that force you to question the sanity of the main character, while making you root for them at the same time. I wanted to believe Tamar, and I really felt for her but there were times when I just assumed she was unhinged. Like when she woke up to her mother standing over her in the night, even though her mother was supposed to be at an assisted living facility miles away.
This one was riddled with twists and I highly recommend it! I ended up listening to this one on audio thanks to @dreamscape_media and the narrator, Hallie Bee Bard, absolutely crushed it.
Check this one out if you like horror, thrillers, and family drama!
**Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the eARC of this title!!**
I love books that force you to question the sanity of the main character, while making you root for them at the same time. I wanted to believe Tamar, and I really felt for her but there were times when I just assumed she was unhinged. Like when she woke up to her mother standing over her in the night, even though her mother was supposed to be at an assisted living facility miles away.
This one was riddled with twists and I highly recommend it! I ended up listening to this one on audio thanks to @dreamscape_media and the narrator, Hallie Bee Bard, absolutely crushed it.
Check this one out if you like horror, thrillers, and family drama!
**Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the eARC of this title!!**
October 4, 2024
This was a spell-binding and very scary horror novel! Tamar has moved back home after running away at 18 years old. She has been estranged from her mother, and has worked hard over decades to come to grips with anger, bitterness and hurt inflicted upon her by her abusive mother. Tamar was an awesome character flawed and believable, careful yet strong. Her mother Ruth is THE WORST. Due to a "mishap" in Ruth's living situation, Tamar is forced to take her mother into her home until housing can be secured. As Ruth's true evil is slowly revealed, and Tamar keeps seeing things and feeling things, and begins to doubt her sanity, Hardy uses anxious and tense pacing that grips the reader. I was completely on edge listening to this story and the narrator, Hallie Bee Bard, did a great job expressing Tamar's desperation and terror.
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