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Bitter Honey
In the early 1800s (1830s – 1860s) it has been estimated that as many as 300,000 men and women may have traveled from the eastern States to the unknown lands of the American west. Some were searching for a better life; some were argonauts, seeking adventure. Whatever the reason, it was not an easy journey. Thousands lost their lives along the trail. Eventually, however, the west was settled and those who survived had stories to tell.
Bitter Honey is a fictional story, although some of the experiences in this book could have been a reality for many of those pioneers.
The story begins in 1934. Henrietta Blakey is now 103 years old. The Great Depression has overtaken the Midwest and her family is trying to survive on the land she and her husband settled in 1849. For the first time, Henrietta tells the story of her journey west to her granddaughter, Felicity. It is a story filled with hardships, tragedies, hope and enduring love.
Bitter Honey is a fictional story, although some of the experiences in this book could have been a reality for many of those pioneers.
The story begins in 1934. Henrietta Blakey is now 103 years old. The Great Depression has overtaken the Midwest and her family is trying to survive on the land she and her husband settled in 1849. For the first time, Henrietta tells the story of her journey west to her granddaughter, Felicity. It is a story filled with hardships, tragedies, hope and enduring love.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
About the author
Sharon Mierke
18 books25 followers"I'm not sure when someone decides to become a writer. I was once asked why I started and I said, 'I was tired of reading so decided to start writing!' Some dream about it but never do it and others are foolish enough to try. I have always loved Daphne DuMaurier's quote: 'Writers should be read and not seen or heard.' I loved the thought of writing but having anonymity at the same time. I doubt that can be achieved in today's world. I write for the pleasure of writing and I share it because I hope others will find joy in reading it."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 4, 2024
Read this in one day
Although this was a work of fiction it drew you in and I felt like this story was very realistic. It made me think back to all the stories I was blessed enough to hear from both my grandparents and great grandparents. If you're sentimental and enjoy a good story set in this time period I think you'll really enjoy it.
Although this was a work of fiction it drew you in and I felt like this story was very realistic. It made me think back to all the stories I was blessed enough to hear from both my grandparents and great grandparents. If you're sentimental and enjoy a good story set in this time period I think you'll really enjoy it.
November 20, 2022
A Good Read
This was a good character rich story of pioneers settling the west.
The only thing a bit disappointing was it seemed rushed toward the end.
Seemed there were lots of other characters and loose ends left to explore, like Sams son from his first marriage.
Maybe there will be a sequel.
This was a good character rich story of pioneers settling the west.
The only thing a bit disappointing was it seemed rushed toward the end.
Seemed there were lots of other characters and loose ends left to explore, like Sams son from his first marriage.
Maybe there will be a sequel.
October 23, 2023
Wagons To Nebraska!
A lovely story straight from the memories of an early settler. Henrietta was only a child starting on that long trail, however growth was quick and came with maturity. She lost family and gained a new life. Finally at the age of 103 she let go and joined them all leaving behind her hard earned story of love and sacrifice.
A lovely story straight from the memories of an early settler. Henrietta was only a child starting on that long trail, however growth was quick and came with maturity. She lost family and gained a new life. Finally at the age of 103 she let go and joined them all leaving behind her hard earned story of love and sacrifice.
August 8, 2022
A great story of adventure and love.
The author has written a very intriguing story of life and the hardships of moving across the country and the love that was formed as they continue West. A very entertaining and adventures story that will keep you entertained.
The author has written a very intriguing story of life and the hardships of moving across the country and the love that was formed as they continue West. A very entertaining and adventures story that will keep you entertained.
May 14, 2023
Excellent book. Great story felt like I was part of it. Heart breaking and yet happy. It’s about life. No matter when or where you are from. Every decision determines our unknown future. Thank goodness we have God to go along with us.
December 14, 2023
Really interesting read
This novel was hard to put down. What was so interesting was the very realistic story and explanation of how the wagon train experience actually happened. It was tough but rewarding.
This novel was hard to put down. What was so interesting was the very realistic story and explanation of how the wagon train experience actually happened. It was tough but rewarding.
December 15, 2023
I like this book because of Hennerietta's great courage on the wagon train. Once she reaches Nebraska, years later, she encourages her family to keep the land they suffered so many hardships to get to.
March 8, 2024
A great read
I lived this boom and the characters were so real. For those who enjoy historical fiction, this WILK not disappoint. I'm so grateful for those who went before us and settled our vast country. they were pioneers who paved the way for those who followed.
I lived this boom and the characters were so real. For those who enjoy historical fiction, this WILK not disappoint. I'm so grateful for those who went before us and settled our vast country. they were pioneers who paved the way for those who followed.
July 23, 2022
Well written, good characters. Easy clean book to read. Life in the wagon trains. Will definitely be reading again.
November 11, 2022
Great story!
Every now and then I find a story that is different yet interesting and heartwarming. I found this story very interesting and enjoyed every page!
Every now and then I find a story that is different yet interesting and heartwarming. I found this story very interesting and enjoyed every page!
January 8, 2023
Good read, told as a story from the old grandmother. Interesting story of perseverance and resilience.
March 26, 2023
A wonderful book
A true look into the past showing what perseverance and integrity our ancestors held. Thank you to bringing the past into today
A true look into the past showing what perseverance and integrity our ancestors held. Thank you to bringing the past into today
July 5, 2023
very sweet and heartwarming story 💝
Very sweet and heartwarming story. Filled with love,tragedy, sadness, an much happiness. A page turner for sure. I recommend it!
Very sweet and heartwarming story. Filled with love,tragedy, sadness, an much happiness. A page turner for sure. I recommend it!
September 13, 2023
4.5*
Wonderful crossing west story that reads like a true story, but is fiction.
Wonderful crossing west story that reads like a true story, but is fiction.
November 5, 2023
Love
What a wonderful true story! I wish Mr.Black let had found his son ! That would had been wonderful l
What a wonderful true story! I wish Mr.Black let had found his son ! That would had been wonderful l
March 17, 2024
Great Book!
I loved reading it!
I think the story being told by Henrietta was so amazing!
Very interesting! I loved it!
I loved reading it!
I think the story being told by Henrietta was so amazing!
Very interesting! I loved it!
July 21, 2024
I enjoy learning about wagon trains, and how hard the traveling was. This book was written from the view of Ishiki, when she was elderly. I enjoyed the love story Mr Blakey and Ishki.
July 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book..
Very interesting 👌
Very interesting 👌
January 17, 2023
I enjoyed reading this realistic story told by Henrietta who wishes to finally share the hardships of her family's journey from Eastern Tennessee in 1847 to the Western frontier. By filling her descendants in on the challenges she overcame, Henrietta hopes to encourage them to continue fighting for the homestead during the Great Depression. Henrietta was a teenager when her father packed up the family and headed west with a few of the family's neighbors. The trail brings triumph and tragedy to those on the journey.
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September 6, 2023Highly recommend
Excellent book!!!!!!!!! Moved right along. Great characters. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! A must read. Great story tel!er. Really felt connected to characters.
Excellent book!!!!!!!!! Moved right along. Great characters. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! A must read. Great story tel!er. Really felt connected to characters.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews