I have wanted to read this book for quite some time, and I finally got the opportunity to do so on a long plane ride to Texas over the weekend.

This book kept me company, along with my cute tumbler of Southwest airlines hot tea.

The cover was the first thing that drew me to this book. The vivid picture of a chocolate surround by sky blue was enticing to say the least. Yet, the fervent summary caught my attention as well.

The author writes, ‘Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a moment of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak, and that rejoicing is no less rich even when it contains a splinter of sadness.’

This book reads more like a journal – every few pages, a new story would emerge. However, each story fit together like a brilliant, cozy patchwork quilt. It’s definitely the kind of blanket that hugs you and keeps you warm on those snow days.

Niequist is open and honest with her readers touching on topics like loneliness, miscarriage and the feeling of being broken and hopeless.

Though she talks about motherhood quite a bit in this book, it’s not just for new moms. All you single ladies will read and enjoy ‘Bittersweet’ as well.

Friendship is also a central theme. She loves to host parties and her love of wholesome food, laughter and camaraderie is weaved throughout the pages.

I love that she offers her readers hope in her beautiful book. She truly hits on the topic that ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” {2 Corinthians 4:8}.

God is in control and he makes his children, cracked pots, into beautiful serving plates full of an abundance of fruit. We are patched up cisterns full of wine and the Lord’s goodness.

Thanks Shauna for this heartwarming, honest and poignant book.

Check out the author’s additional books, here.