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Bittersweet

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Harper Hensley’s greatest joy is baking. She’s co-owner of a cute little bake shop, creating delicious treats to her heart’s content, and happily dating a successful lawyer. Life seems perfect. Until Logan Riggs, the man who walked out on her without a word four years ago, rolls into town in his new coffee food truck, living the dream they were supposed to share together.

The last thing Logan ever wanted was to leave Harper, but unforeseen circumstances forced him to make that choice. He never meant to hurt her or ruin their plans of starting a food truck. Now he’s back to make things right, hoping to convince her to work with him, and longing for a second chance with the woman he loved from the start.

Coffee and cupcakes belong together. But is the truth about Logan’s disappearing act too much to forgive? Can Harper move past the bitter to get to the sweet?

236 pages, ebook

First published September 24, 2018

163 people are currently reading
92 people want to read

About the author

Krista Noorman

20 books164 followers
Krista Noorman is the author of sweet romance, contemporary Christian romance, and young adult novels. She's a small-town Michigan girl, who is constantly inspired by books and movies, enjoys beautiful Instagram feeds, and loves a good peppermint mocha.

After college at Cornerstone University, four years as a military wife, and starting a family, she turned to her love of photography and spent nearly a decade running her own wedding photography business. For most of her life, she scribbled away in journals while documenting her everyday life, but it wasn't until she took part in National Novel Writing Month, that she found her true calling and turned her pen to fiction. She's been writing about falling in love ever since.

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5 stars
59 (42%)
4 stars
41 (29%)
3 stars
27 (19%)
2 stars
8 (5%)
1 star
5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews638 followers
Read
July 12, 2019
DNF
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“I don’t drink coffee,” she declared. His eyebrows raised. “Since when?” She looked straight into his eyes. “My appetite for coffee disappeared when you did.”


Served him right, really. He couldn’t blame her for that reaction after not showing his face for four years.


Why was he back in town? After four years? Why hadn’t he stayed wherever he’d gone and never come back?


“We had plans and dreams …” She fought back tears as she finally said the words she had held inside for years. “You took all that away.”


“Harper, this is Kayla. My daughter.”


The thought of Logan having a baby with someone else made her stomach twist.


“Yes,” he answered firmly. “It was the summer before I met you. My ex-girlfriend.”
Profile Image for A.M. Heath.
Author 24 books358 followers
October 11, 2018
Here are 3 quick reasons you should give Bittersweet a try:

Cupcakes and Coffee really do go together! If you enjoy those novels that involve your favorite foods and that make you hungry and cozy all at the same time, you’ll feel right at home here!

Friction. Filled. Romance. 🙂 These two really start off with a bang. Logan wants her back, but Harper isn’t ready to forgive him. If you like to witness the sparks, you’ll want to grab this one … and any all the other Noorman novels while you’re at it. 😉

If you like your romance plot to contain unexpected twists and turns, you’re in for a treat! I’ve read a lot. And I’ll be honest, there was one point about a third of the way in where I questioned what in the world she was intending to do with the rest of the pages. LOL I wasn’t questioning for much longer! She truly did fill out every one of those pages and some of those ways, I didn’t see coming!

Disclaimer: I typically review Christian fiction, so I feel better about pointing out that Bittersweet was written for the clean fiction genre. The main difference is that clean fiction doesn’t require a faith element. The characters in this book did allude to Christian beliefs but their faith never became a focal point. One disclaimer to point out is that there is a single use of the phrase, “Go to H…” Otherwise, the language content was clean. And the romance was clean as well. I’d still gladly recommend it but to the right reader.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,882 reviews209 followers
October 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this second chances story! Bittersweet is a clean, contemporary story written for the general market.

The emotions these characters were feeling were so real to me as I read this novel. I loved the way the author told the story from both of their perspectives. There were some serious hurts to overcome and an attraction that Harper wished wasn’t still there after all of the pain she had endured.

I liked Logan so much and even though I questioned the way he handled things four years earlier, his reasoning based on his past situation made sense. I also thought Harper handled learning the truth behind Logan’s disappearance very well. It showed a kindness of character in her.

Bittersweet was captivating from start to finish, packed with attraction between the two main characters, and offered the hope of a happily ever after to characters that I really liked.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Laura.
758 reviews104 followers
December 30, 2018
This book is just adorable. It's one of those books you can curl up on the couch with in the fall for a few hours with a cup of tea, a plate of cookies, and a purring cat.

1. The characters. Overall, I really enjoyed all of the characters. For the length of the book, they're fleshed out nicely and their interactions are always interesting. There are two main characters (Harper and Logan) and a slew of supporting characters (Ginny, Savannah, Brett, Harry, Kayla, Gary, and Marsha are the big ones). I guess what's holding me back from gushing is that they just weren't there, you know? To make a character stick out, there needs to be that one little detail about them that you associate with them. Harper was drawn well because of how she's always wearing a bun which gives the reader a glimpse into their inner psyche and helps them remember the character (for example, Harper always keeps her hair in a bun which is a method of control). What I'm trying to say is they were all good, adequate characters were the story, but they weren't the best they could be.

2. The plot. I'm going to keep this short because most of the plot can be covered in the romance section but there is also a secondary sub-plot going on that's a bit actiony in it's nature. I found this to be a welcome addition to dilute the pure romance just a smidge and move this more into a contemporary style.

3. The romance. This is the part of this book that really shines. I absolutely loved every minute of the blossoming romance happening between Harper and Logan. There's a slight love triangle but it's an incredibly realistic one that resolves itself in a very gradual manner. Harper and Logan's scenes together are just so sweet and their relationship is based on their intellectual and career compatibility which I thought really fit both characters and the plotline itself. If you've been following me for a while, you know normally I can't stand to read pure romance books but Krista Noorman writes romances that are just pure cotton candy that make your heart smile.

4. The setting. This book is set for the most part in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Personally, I've never been to the city before but I got a good enough sense from the setting descriptions to feel comfortable navigating it alongside the characters. In contemporary romances, the focus isn't really on the setting but I did want to mention it briefly. More relevantly, the micro settings are all very rich. This is one of those books where you can picture everything happening within them (and, more to the point of this book, make you ridiculously hungry for sugar cookies).

The Final Verdict:
Pure cotton candy fluff. Adorable with slightly forgettable characters.
4 stars
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
October 27, 2018
Reviewed at Romance Is Ageless

BITTERSWEET really does live up to its title. There is a painful history between Harper and Logan. Is it insurmountable? Perhaps. Depends on whether the complete truth can be told, and if a broken heart can be mended by reality.

Four years earlier Logan and Harper were a young couple planning a future together and a joint business that they both loved. Then, one day, without warning or reasons Logan left. Just left. It’s taken Harper a long time to put her life back together, and in some ways she’s still trying for the hurt Logan left her with runs deep. Today, she has a blooming business with a close friend, a man she’s dating who seems to be on the same page about their relationship. In general life is good if not great. Then Logan comes back. And the pain, the hurt of that lost love crashes over Harper once more. A second chance to have her heart broken once again? No, thank you. But Harper doesn’t know the entire truth, and what Logan needs to tell her may change everything… but in what direction?

It’s impossible not to see and hurt with both Harper and Logan. Logan had reasons for leaving, compelling ones in fact. Yes, he should have been braver and told Harper everything… but then what he learned was new to him as well. BITTERSWEET is emotional, it’s also full of unexpected turns and new reactions that are totally blindsiding these characters. Life isn’t always fair, bad thing happen but it’s how we deal, how we move forward that defines a man or woman. I enjoyed this story, I liked both Harper and Logan. They each made choices that could have taken their lives in a different direction, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. There are some surprises here that will bring home the fact that we never really know someone as well as we think.

I would consider BITTERSWEET a clean and sweet romance. But then, to be frank, I don’t mind a steamy romance either. If you’re a reader who enjoys second chances, seeing two people who fit so well together reunite despite the pain and hurt of the past… then you’ll enjoy Logan and Harper’s story.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for Ru4repeat.
531 reviews
October 16, 2018
Truly bittersweet

I loved the premise of this novel...a bakery and food truck. I thought the idea of second chance loved sounded cute too. There was heart racing action and moments that found me hiding my breath.
However, I felt that the kissing went too far, and some of the passionate discussions made me feel uncomfortable. On a steaminess level I would rate this a medium hot PG-13.
Profile Image for Paige Whitecotton.
2,547 reviews9 followers
January 14, 2019
So sweet

What a sweet sweet story. Oh there was plenty of heartache and crazy going on but it was written so well it was a sweet read.
Profile Image for Darla Damron.
386 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2018
This was a fun story filled with some excitement and drama. Also a few times that shocked me.
999 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2018
Review

The title fits this story very well! Harper and Logan were college sweethearts and planning their life together, when Logan just left. And after 4 years with no word, Harper is trying to move on. Then Logan comes back, but he's still not telling her everything. There's a fire, trouble-causing exes, and an adorable 5-year-old. Being totally truthful and finding forgiveness are themes that resonate in this book. I really liked it.
Profile Image for Laura.
39 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2018
Yikes - where do I start?
I stopped reading when the author spelled the name of the drug that the hero was offered wrong. FYI - it's heroin, not heroine! Someone really needs to do more research - or get a proofreader.
I couldn't take the book seriously after that.
Profile Image for Sheri.
2,111 reviews
June 13, 2020
Bittersweet (Second Chance with You #1) by Krista Noorman

Harper is a co-owner of a bakery, dating a lawyer and life is okay, if not a bit mundane. Although she is content with her relationship, she has never gotten over Logan. He was the love of her life who left her many years ago.

Logan comes back with a food truck wanting to rekindle his relationship with Harper. The pair had dreams of owning one together, but that dream was shattered when he left. Although he felt he had a valid reason for leaving, he should have told Harper from the start.

Harper is very likable, kind, caring, an all around good person. I wanted to see her happy again with Logan. He is just as likable. His reason for leaving is what can bring them the happy ever after they both deserve. They have some obstacle along the way, but in the end true love can prevail. Overall I found Bittersweet very enjoyable and feel those who love a great sweet romance will enjoy it as well.
113 reviews
October 18, 2018
I liked this book.

I really liked Harper and Logan's story. I thought it was cute and sweet and I'm grateful it was clean. I appreciated the redemption and forgiveness in this story. It had more to it than your typical romance and I actually liked that aspect. I liked how it portrayed that despite where Logan came from and past mistakes he was able to overcome his mistakes and realize he didn't want the lifestyle he had been living. I liked that it wasn't instant forgiveness on Harper's part but that she was able to forgive and get over the hurt. This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more of her stories. (Not to mention it's kind of cool we share the same first name and spelling.) Overall I enjoyed this book.
2,365 reviews12 followers
December 9, 2018
5 stars
I purchased a copy of Second Chance With You book 1: Bittersweet by Krista Noorman and this review was given freely.
Bakery Owner Harper thinks she has everything and that her future is settled but then the owner of the food truck "Bittersweet" Logan returns after a 4 year absence intending to win her back. Their personal and professional relationship is questioned because of Logan's frequent and sudden exits and his multiple secrets. Good friends, sarcastic humor, arson, vivid descriptions, a child of a parent in prison, and a sweet love story are bundled in this easy to read short romance.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,162 reviews25 followers
September 14, 2019
Sweet story...almost too sweet. The H was supposedly in love with the h but ditched her when an ex (who was in prison had his daughter). His raised the baby alone and only ran into the h again after 5 years! He also (after reconnecting with the h) moved back to his hometown so that his daughter could be near the mother she did not know...again leaving the h.

Silly me, couldn't he have explained more to the h? Couldn't he ask himself why he was basing his decisions on the mother of his daughter, whom he did not love? The h deserves a medal and he deserves a kick in the pants.
Profile Image for zen_s.
2,015 reviews17 followers
December 8, 2018
[1.75 stars] seems a little rush at the last few chapters. and also the heroine ex-boyfriend behavior was not explained properly either but he showed a different personality when the heroine wanted to part ways. and the hero's ex-girlfriend got out of jail & got back in real quick which is kind of lame.
42 reviews
January 19, 2020
Coffee and Cupcake

A sweet read . Brought together and planning a future together. This story begins years later with both building their part alone. She was building a bakery business and he has the coffee cart they dreamed of. Even after he relocated to the same town life keeps getting in the way. Will their love ever get a chance? Read Bittersweet to find out.
Profile Image for Tamara.
716 reviews
July 28, 2020
A wonderfully creative story kept me on the edge of my seat. The author has done a great job of pulling together threads of modern day challenges. I know when a book is good when I start talking to the characters like they are going to hear my “idiot”; “tell her”; …. Highly recommend for a pleasurable read.
Profile Image for Lynn Smith.
2,682 reviews9 followers
October 18, 2018
Bittersweet

Enjoyed Logan and Harper's story. Logan returns to town after four years determined to get Harper back. Harper isn't over Logan but still heartbroken that he just left without a word. Why would she put herself through that again.
Profile Image for Julie.
896 reviews8 followers
October 27, 2018
Good

Crocodile tears doesn’t mean what the author seems to think it means. Decent romance. I thought the heroine was something of a push-over, and the hero something of a jerk for not getting to the point and waffling. Honestly, I just wasn’t thrilled with them.
Profile Image for Laura.
110 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2021
Good things do happen to good people

I enjoyed reading this intriguing and well written sweet romantic tale. The characters are engaging and relatable. I will absolutely be reading more of Ms. Noorman's books.
Profile Image for Lisa Swinton.
Author 27 books197 followers
May 3, 2024
Krista Noorman will have you craving coffee, baked goods, and sweet kisses that linger long after you closed the book.

There are great tropes weaved through with an unexpected twist. Great second chance, enemies to lovers romance.

Plenty of emotional turmoil makes for a satisfying read.
Profile Image for Brian Davis.
939 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2018
☺☺☺☺

A nice, sweet romance with good characters and plot. The story doesn't feel long enough to really explore all the issues, but still an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Love.
1,747 reviews5 followers
October 21, 2018
Sweet Romance

This is a sweet and heartwarming romance with a lot of adorable and charming characters that will steal your heart.
Profile Image for Tj Walker.
299 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2019
Great story!

I enjoyed reading this book. The relationship of the characters seemed real and not just a book romance. Kayla was a sweet addition to the story!
107 reviews
December 20, 2019
Bittersweet

What a perfect title for this book. Sometimes it's takes a few lemons and a lot of sugar to make lemonade. Second chances can happen. Superb story by this author.
2,841 reviews20 followers
August 14, 2020
Review of Bittersweet

This was a very cute story and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a wonderful writer.
Profile Image for jamie.
932 reviews15 followers
July 30, 2025
Bittersweet by krista noorman
Second chance
Single dad
Love triangle

Second chance romance isn't usually my thing, but this man was pretty swoony. I liked that he was so confident and knew just what he wanted and worked to make her see it too.

Unfortunately that feeling did not last. The MMC continued to lie and keep secrets. When someone shows you who they are you should believe them and she should not have taken him back.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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