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Bittersweet

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Esi is young, beautiful and smart. She's got it all...and then some, but it's not what you'd expect. Seven years after fate has her colliding - literally - with the man of her dreams, the two finally find themselves walking down the aisle. The day couldn't be more perfect. For one shining moment in time, she has it all. Then a tragic accident changes everything. Getting married was supposed to be the final touch on their already blissful relationship, but after the car crash, nothing seems right anymore. Soon after they get home from the hospital, Esi discovers she's pregnant. However, after the extensive damages her heart has endured from the night of the traumatic wreck, this miracle of life brings with it the reality of death. Now Esi and Carter both have to face facts. Someone might not survive. While ever after may not be as happy as Esi has always hoped, she's learning to appreciate the beauty in strength and surviving, and finding that love, no matter how true or how complete, sometimes is simply 'bittersweet'

252 pages, Paperback

First published February 21, 2015

42 people are currently reading
136 people want to read

About the author

K.S. Thomas

53 books156 followers
Dog Lover who likes her pastries full of cream and sugar...oh...and I write some ;-)

Aside from being an author, I am also a mom to a beautiful little girl. I tell everyone I named her after my great-grandmother (because that's the mature answer), but really, I named her after my favorite princess - just so happens I got lucky and they had the same name...If I wasn't a writer, I would work on a horse ranch - I'm an animal lover (in addition to dogs, horses are at the top of my list). I wear flip-flops pretty much everywhere I go. I would rather stay awake until 5 am than get up at 5 am (years of bar tending have left their mark), if I can, I'm going to the beach AND I will always be nice to people who bring me chocolate...or coffee...if you bring me both, I'll probably love you forever.

I write the way I live, following the story wherever it may lead, always ready to start the next one. This is clearly reflected in my body of work which to date includes everything from Children's Lit to Thrillers.
I happily reside in sunny Florida (for now) with my daughter and three dogs.

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5 stars
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14 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Sam.
96 reviews
June 2, 2015
One of the most beautiful stories I've ever read!

A heartwarming, must read romance for all!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews129 followers
Want to read
March 1, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/1/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Tbird London.
558 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2015
I signed up late for this tour and was told when given the ARC that I didn’t have to rush to get my review done on schedule with the rest of the blogs. Once I started this book I was seriously confused how anyone could put it down once they began the journey with Carter and Esi. I was up late that night, up even earlier the next morning and had my kindle in my face the whole time reading and absorbing this story. Once I was done, I just couldn’t stay silent so I told my friends YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK. Now after 24 hours of processing the story, I am still speechless as to what I can say in this review.

To tell you about the events in the book, I will certainly spoil the story, so let me tell you what made this story meant something to me and about the emotional roller coaster the author took me on. We are given pieces of how Carter and Esi met when he crashed into her in the halls of college. His family had a very strong distaste for Esi and her sister and mother. Being the religious zealots that they were, Esi’s mom represented evil and witchcraft to Carter’s family and they had forbidden him to be with her.

Esi, was a grief counselor and knew how the community viewed her mother. Losing her dad in the line of duty as a police officer when she was young, she had embraced the ideas of her mother with energy, spirit guides and holistic healing. She used the pain of losing her father to help her deal with victims of crimes. When Carter entered her life she wasn’t surprised, she had seen him coming for months and knew where she belonged because of what her mom had taught her.

Their love story was a fairytale and the day of their wedding was a day neither of them ever wanted to end. She made him promise that each anniversary she would wear her wedding dress and they would go back to the field and renew their vows, just to keep the magic of their wedding day alive. Their fairytale day didn’t end with roses and happiness, they had a wreck as they left their wedding site and was heading back to their home. Those few minutes will change their lives and show the reader what true love is all about.

I found this book to renew my feelings of falling in love all over again. As I read it I kept looking over at my husband, thinking what I would do if I found myself in Carter and Esi’s shoes, making me fall in love with my husband over and over. That is how brilliantly this book was written; it embraced the reader and made them feel not only the story but emotions within their own hearts. To witness the sacrifices of Carter and Esi for each other, to see the faith they had in their love and the belief that they could create miracles just by being together was breath taking. The author did such a fabulous job developing the story and characters I was instantly invested in them within the first few pages. She had my mind and heart twisted with the plot and love to the point I literally broke down at times because I couldn’t stand to accept the truth and pain that their special day was ruined. The story is clean; I would have no problem letting my teenage girls read this book. She didn’t need sex to sell this story; she used emotion and was fantastic in how she did it. This book is certainly on my top five lists of stories I will reread again and again and cherish.
Profile Image for Melissa Mcdaniel.
19 reviews
February 21, 2015
I'm not going to say to much about the story line of this book, because I feel like it would give to much away. KS Thomas has written one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read.
In the first few chapters you are so wrapped up into the story. A beautiful fairy tale wedding, but it doesn't end like a magical night it ends in a horrible wreck.
Then going through the book we get to learn how they meet from Carter's point of view. And find out how they heal together and fall more in love over coming obstacles.
This story is such a beautiful story about two people who love each other above all else. They go through so much yet the more life throws at them the more in love they seem to fall. I read this book and kept wondering if my husband would do that for me? If I made that decision would he support me? I would recommend this book to anyone who truly just wants a great book to read. It is a very clean heart felt story
Profile Image for Rachelle Ayala.
Author 252 books1,228 followers
January 26, 2016
This story was pure romance and the love between Esi and Carter was magical and timeless.

Esi and Carter were made for each other and after seven years dating, they finally tied the knot. It would have been their happiest day ever until they get into a serious car accident driving home from their fantasy wedding.

From the very first page, I knew this story would be heart rending and emotional. The happiness at the beginning of the book portended deep sadness and tears for later on.

And even though disaster struck, Esi was comforted by Carter's steadfast love and his promise never ever to leave her. She struggles through health issues and almost dying and then she is blown away when everything she believes or convinced herself to believe is untrue. Carter forces Esi to face her fears for her own good and proves to her that there is a love that will never ever end.

The scene where they lay on the meadow, face to face, eye to eye while the sun set will forever be etched in my mind as the definition of bittersweet.

Bring plenty of tissues and prepare to have your heart cut out. The feelings are so strong and true. It'll be hard to get over this book, and maybe you never will, and it will stay with you as a testament to true and pure love.
Profile Image for Tracey Quintin.
107 reviews7 followers
July 4, 2015
What an OUTSTANDING EMOTIONAL, COULDN'T PUT DOWN, PAGE TURNING read. I was hooked from Chapter 1 on. I completely fell in love with Esi and Carter and was so emotionally invested in this "grab boxes of kleenex" story.
Truly touched my heart and soul. Esi and Carter are absolute soul mates and have a love and connection like no other.
Their story didn't just tug my heart strings, I seriously fell in love with these characters. I felt everything going on and had a HUGE lump in my throat throughout most of the story until I HAD to let the tears just fall. If I wasn't in a public setting I'm sure I would have cried my eyes out...THAT'S how emotion provoking it was for me. THESE ARE MY FAVORITE TYPES OF STORIES!
So beautifully written, K.S. Thomas did an incredible job. This is the first book I've read from this author and I REALLY hope she has written more of this type. Outstanding and can't wait to read more of her work. I very highly recommend reading this. It is a story that will stay in my heart forever.
Profile Image for Tami Adams.
35 reviews10 followers
February 21, 2015
Life is full of bittersweet moments and memories. Esi and Carter have it all - love and happiness. That is till a freak accident leaves Esi scarred and fighting for her health. As is fate doesn't give her enough, an unexpected pregnancy that could potentially end her life and the life of her unborn child comes into the mix. This story was full of ups and downs, twists and turns. And an ending you never see coming. I laughed and cried as the story unfolded. And I fell in love with Carter who is there every step of the way as Esi fights to survive. Five stars again for KS Thomas.
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,501 reviews15 followers
February 22, 2015
WoWz!!

This book was posted on a blog as a new release. I decided to give it a chance ,not expecting much! I was wrong! So very wrong! I finished this book in a few hours! I couldn't put it down! I must say the book had me in tears for a good part of it, but totally worth the box of tissues I used!
Profile Image for melissa pearson.
313 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2025
This book WRECKED ME.

I was so “mad” … I *knew* from like 9% of the way in.. I KNEW what was happening. And I was actually a lot disappointed at first because I was like “ugh… this is going to be sooo predictable” and then the second “surprise” and I knew then too.. I knew before and I literally looked at my husband (who is not a reader and I was like…

SPOILERS…..


WARNING SPOILERS…

OMG… if this is going to be like sixth sense meets steel magnolias I will be so disappointed… but it’s a short novella and quick read, and yall KNOW I don’t give up on a book… so on I went….

And by about 1/2 was through I was confused. There were confessions of death and acknowledgement of it but then confusion because now the sister was there and she named the baby Evan.. and I was like but why the 7 year ago flashbacks…. Did he die then and she’s now with Evan? What is going on…. So I kept trucking along..

I did not realize that even though I knew … even when I saw the build up… it still hurt so bad. And when I say I cried… I wept for whole last 30% of the book. I wept like a baby page after page for sadness and for closure and for different POVs and for the last freaking page…. Ugh.

This book hurt and hurt and hurt some more. And the love and yearning…. Oof, it’s deep and strong and blissfully beautiful, until it’s not.

I feel like banter and conversations are both funny and quotable and I really did enjoy the writing and story… although it felt a bit weird to have such a gap for a while but to see from the final chapter the build up to the last word it made sense…

Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book122 followers
July 10, 2019
Oh, my gosh! What a story! I don't want to give anything away because this story has some shocking twists and turns to it that must be experienced firsthand. This is a beautiful love story that goes so much deeper than the typical romantic novel. The love portrayed in this book is one that transcends fear, self, time, and space, the way that true love ought to be. It starts off so happy on the couple's wedding day, but tragedy soon strikes. At critical dramatic moments, the author shifts away from the heroine current-day perspective into the hero's flashbacks of their relationship. Not usually for long, but enough to give insight into the couple as they were before they married (and giving a moment to hold the dramatic tension). The novel is certainly an emotional one, as the heroine embarks on a perilous personal journey to bring forth her first child even though her damaged heart may not survive the process. This book is beautifully written and a real stunner. If you like heartfelt, emotional reads that focus on the strength and power of true love, this book may be for you.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
11.7k reviews49 followers
August 26, 2019
Not to sure what to say

I think that Bittersweet is a book that you either really like or you really don't. As for me I am on the fence and not sure which side I am going to land on yet. There were some elements that I really liked and some that were eye-rolling and groan worthy.
Esi and Carter are a lovely young couple who get married after several years of being together. Leading up to the marriage there was family drama and other things. So you would think that that would be the story but really that is just where it begins. On the wedding day they get into a car accident that changes their lives completely.
This story reminds me of a bad Hallmark movie in that there is so much sweetness that it is over sweetened and needs some spicy to add some zip to the story and characters.
I have to say that I have liked a number of K.S. Thomas's books but this one just did not hit the spot for me.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,153 reviews55 followers
November 28, 2021
Bittersweet
By: K.S. Thomas
Narrated by: Olivia Candocia

This was a book I was not prepared fir. Emotional, romantic, tragic, I was caught up in every emotion. Esi and Carter bumped into each other by chance 7 years ago. Told not to be near her, Carter was unable to listen and was completely taken with the quirky Esi. Inseparable and totally in love, they get married and then tragedy strikes. Now healing,Esi finds out she is pregnant and with her health, she and Carter are dedicated to bringing their daughter in the world. But what will happen when the truth is realized? Caught up in the writing, the past me present intertwining and the emotional impact, I was captivated. The incredible irony caught me off guard and is definitely bittersweet. I loved the style of writing and will be watching for more by KS Thomas.

Olivia Candocia brings all the emotions alive with her narration. At times, it does have a echo feel, but it does not detract from the incredible feelings Candocia brings to the table. She kept me interested and needing to listen. A good storyteller!
Profile Image for Nancy Chastain.
Author 16 books137 followers
July 5, 2017
This is another new Author to me. I know it has been a week of new Authors! We get to discover them together!
K S Thomas - We need to talk. This book is something else.
Esi has carried the family stigma her whole life. People think her and her sister Lev are witches just because their Jace has a new age shop. Carter is the upstanding Catholic guy. Their lives literally crash into each other in the hall trying to get to class. In an instant they are one. Like a modern day Romeo and Juliet.
Their love is one that grows and grows with every moment they are together. They have worked so hard to get down the aisle. A wedding of Esi dreams.
Bittersweet is a story how love gives you happiness, strength and courage. I recommend you read this. By the way tissues are required.
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
July 20, 2019
This is a new author to me, and this is an amazingly emotional love story between Esi and Carter. It’s a story that demands your attention and your time. One that you shall need a box of tissues/Kleenex next to your chair and a few hours of uninterrupted reading time as you shall not want to be disturbed whilst reading this book. This story isn’t one that leaves the reader wallowing in despair though, it takes you on a journey and offers insight and hope. This truly is an incredibly well written story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.
4,096 reviews21 followers
November 12, 2022
Wow! A beautifully written and narrated romance that is timeless, captivating and emotional. Our main characters are Esi and Carter and while their love is everything...it may still not be enough. Tragedy strikes after what should have been the beginning of their fairy tale HEA. I can't write too much more without giving too much away but it's a listen that captivated me from start to finish!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
1,635 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2019
Beautiful Brilliant BITTERSWEET!❤
A beautifully written read that I was so far in it I had no way of knowing how I could possible make it out in one piece. Hooked right from the start and impossible to put down. A blast of bruising emotions, unexpected twists and great dialogue. A must read that takes and takes at every turn but will stick with you for years to come and will be a read that will most definitely be re-read over again.
521 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2019
The story starts on Carter and Esi'# wedding day. Which ended in a tragedy. From which they recuperate or did they? This is a story of undying love written in a way that keep you turning the pages. Towards the end you make sense of many things in the book. It is well written with good character development.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
July 19, 2019
Get out the box of Kleenex, you're going to need it!

This amazingly emotional story will have you tearing up as you read about Carter and Esi and the pure true love they have for one another. The characters are wonderful and the storyline is poignant and bittersweet.

This story is a real page-turner that you cannot put down until the end. It is also one you will want to read again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,353 reviews19 followers
July 19, 2019
Am emotional and superb page turner that will have you reading until the end once you pick it up. Wonderfully written and shows what true and pure love really is. Grab your tissues, curl up in your favorite reading spot and get ready to spend your time in this wonderful book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Profile Image for Mandy Sawyer.
5,042 reviews41 followers
November 19, 2021
Omg this book is so emotional. I’m sitting here sobbing my heart out. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. The characters are wonderful, K.S.Thomas has captured the sadness and emotion perfectly. I will add that I’m a mess!!! A brilliant heartfelt performance from Olivia.
#PinkFlamingoProductions
#FlockReview
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
July 13, 2019
This is a story where you will need a box of Kleenex by your side a very emotional story. Carter and Esi's story is a true love story a beautiful story to read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gaby Vazquez.
45 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2017
I just can't stop with the crying soo
Ok just going to wait until i can see trough the waterfalls
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
172 reviews
June 17, 2020
Enjoyed this one - very emotional read, loved this couple. I worked out very early the way the story was heading but I still loved the journey and the way it all unfolded. One of those reads that you think about for a few days after.
Profile Image for MELODY.
459 reviews16 followers
March 2, 2015

This is heart rendering story about love that has no bounds. It is the timeless love story of Esi and Carter. After dating for 7 years they are married - the book starts with them being the last to leave their wedding. On their way home they are involved in a freak accident.

I don't want to go much further into the story line because it will spoil the story. Ms. Thomas' writing is wonderful! She sucks you in and makes you a part of Esi and Carter's life - the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Bring lots of tissues, lock the doors and be transported into their world and see if love can conquer all. Bittersweet is one of those books that will leave an impression on you for a very long time.

Profile Image for Myra Espino .
1,167 reviews64 followers
February 22, 2015
~Ms. Me28~

Bittersweet, an interesting read that will make you emotional.
From the start up to the last, this book is good.
I love how it pulled my interest in.
The story and the characters are good.
The characters, Esi and Carter are easy to love and like.
Esi, she's a strong woman.
I love how brave and strong she is.
Carter, he's an amazing guy.
I love how thoughtful and sweet he is.
The story of this book touched my heart.
The night on their wedding, an accident happened that changed everything to Esi and Carter.
As the story goes, things will get interesting and an
unexpected revelation will happen.
K.S. Smith did an amazing job in this book!
Loved it! This book will definitely made you emotional and fell in love at the same time.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
257 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2015
I was torn on how to rate this, it was a well written story, it pulled me in and kept me reading but it's not a typical HEA story. I figured out by the 3rd chapter what was going on and wasn't sure I'd be happy with how it would end. I wasn't thrilled with the ending, while it was sweet it wasn't my kind of romance. It went from weird to really weird in the last 25% and even though I saw it coming I just couldn't connect with it, too far out there. If it wasn't so well written and still entertaining I would've rated it lower, I just didn't get the same thrill of a good HEA like most romances.
Profile Image for Mary Myers-Huff Barscz .
201 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2015
If you can pick this book up and put it down, I give you credit, I could not.
An emotional roller coaster if a story is what you get with Esi and Carter.
They are finally getting married and everything seems to be going just how they wanted it too. And then a tragic accident happens and changes everything for both of them.
What will they have to endure to carry on and will everyone come through this accident unharmed?
You have to read the book and find that out. You won't be disappointed, it is happy, sad, sweet, everything you could want in a book all wrapped into one!
Profile Image for Lyssa.
Author 47 books114 followers
February 18, 2015
Wow, talk about an emotional read! Thomas has done it again, even slightly paranormal style. I fell in love with Esi and Carter, I wanted the love that they shared, and I desperately wanted everything to work out for them. In a way, it did but in so many others way it absolutely did not. This is a story about true love, heartache, family, and learning to let go. I love everything written by K.S. Thomas and this book did not disappoint.
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,489 reviews46 followers
March 2, 2015
beautiful this book will bring you joy, love, passion and tears. Reading how they over come the pain. Reading how they met. Reading how they fell and then fall even more in love with each other. this book has everything we as readers crave and more. I know that I was crying my eyes out while reading this and then I cried because the book was over and I will hold these characters close to my heart.
1,250 reviews4 followers
April 28, 2022
Beautiful, heart wrenching, romance. Esi and Carter deeply in love. But love can be bittersweet. Their wedding day was perfection until it wasn't. Surviving, finding strength in her loss. I fell in love with this beautiful, emotional story. The author uses flashbacks, it was very well done. Tissues are needed for this emotional story.
Olivia Candocia told this story with so much emotion. I felt all the anguish, angst, love, of each and every character. Well done.
🎧🎧audiobookObsession🎧🎧
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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