Review: Bittersweet

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: January 3rd 2012
Pages: 378
Copy: Hardcover
Source: Library
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Challenges: Contemporary, Standalone
Goodreads

Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances… a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life…and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last…

The thing that really stuck out at me in the beginning of this book was how interesting the setting is. Much of the book takes place in either Hudson's Mother's Diner, or while Hudson is ice skating. I really like how you can really picture every place the book takes place in, and you really feel every location with all of your senses. 

The characters in the book are all very well introduced into the book, like at the diner you really feel the family atmosphere of the place. Or the hockey teams change from really not caring to coming together. And then of course there's the crush, Josh. I'm not sure if I would have really liked him if I met him in real life, but I guess I'm not the character.

This book is really about self discovery and realizing that you change as you grow. All around I found the book really, really enjoyable, it's a great contemporary read.