Sixteen-year-old Rowan Redgrave is a witch still learning all about her magical powers. Cade Blackwell is part of a family that the Redgrave's have been feuding with for centuries. The two families have stayed away from each other for years which is why Cade and Rowan have never seen each other. Well, Rowan has a serious problem now. She likes Cade and cannot ignore him. BITTERSWEET is their story and what happens when you are a part of forbidden love.

Rowan decides the feud has gone on long enough. She invites Cade to spend the day with her to prove to him that he isn't so freakish and can leave the forest. Something happened to Cade and it was caused by Rowan's father. He doesn't look like everyone else because of it. Cade and Rowan start to spend as much time as they can together but they still have to hide their friendship because of her family. The Blackwells welcome Rowan with open arms and have no hard feelings with her. They are a great family and Rowan wishes they were hers. Her family is very mean and not close to one another at all. When they find out that Rowan spent time at the Blackwells, they forbid her to go back.

Fast forward, twenty-five years. Rowan and Cade have spent them apart until a chance meeting in a souvenir shop. Rowan is married with a daughter and Cade is alone. He could never find anyone to replace Rowan. Twenty- five years is a long time to be apart, but there is no denying their feelings are still right in front of them. Is Rowan going to give up her marriage and family to be with Cade, her only true love? Will Cade be forced to walk away from Rowan again?

BITTERSWEET is such a beautiful story, but one that will have you reaching for the tissues. It is heartbreaking and filled with love. I read this wonderful story in one sitting and now I am telling everyone I know that they need to read it. I found myself holding my breath when Rowan and Cade found each other again after twenty-five years. Laurencia Hoffman has written a fabulous tale filled with twists and turns and an ending that will take your breath away. My only complaint was that I wanted the story to be longer. I was left longing for more. I think that says everything when an author can do that to you. I'm looking forward to reading more by Ms. Hoffman.