"Sweet Bitter Love" explores walking that fine line between compassion and co-dependence.
From the moment writer Jenny Ceretti spots Susan Fredrickson at the Village Coffeehouse, her serene life begins to change. As their friendship explodes into a tempestuous love affair, Jenny discovers that all is not as it appears.
Excerpt
Susan reached out and wiped the tears from my cheek. She lay beside me and held me. "It's a long time since I've been with a woman," she whispered.
I was stunned! She had never mentioned a woman lover before. My mind raced with a million questions I wanted to ask, "Who? When? Where?..." but my body took over. Ask those questions now and this moment is gone, it reminded me.
I looked at her and said, " It'll come back to you. It's like riding a bike." We laughed wildly.
Professional Reviews
An interesting look into the highs and lows of life with an alcoholic
The reader sees the relationship from Jenny's point of view, from her beginning fascination with Susan, through to the end. It is an interesting look into the highs and lows of life with an alcoholic...This is not an easy subject ...It is, however, a situation common to many. Schiano has opened the door to an important subject that few want to discuss.
- R. Lynne Watson, Mega Scene, Palm Springs, Vol. #14
Passionate, courageous and dramatic.
This is a debut novel by Rita Schiano - passionate, courageous and dramatic. Definitely a name to remember. When's the next book out?
- ScotsGay Magazine, Scotland
Schiano captures the passion, pain and fragility of modern day romantic relationships
...Schiano captures the passion, pain and fragility of modern day romantic relationships...Readers will cycle through feelings of joy, bitterness, excitement and anger as they learn how and why the relationship unfolds as it does...Schiano presents this dramatic tale of love, pain and soul-searching in clear, easy-to-read prose with an energizing style that dares the reader to set the book down. Highly recommended!
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