This Bitter Earth

The sequel to Bernice L. McFadden's incredible classic debut and the Richard and Judy 2021 Book Club pick, Sugar

In This Bitter Earth , Sugar Lacey is on her way out of Bigelow, Arkansas, where she'd come to break with the past. With her worn leopard-print suitcase and her head held high, she walks past the prying eyes of its small-minded, cruel-hearted townsfolk, praying for the strength to keep going. She doesn't stop until she arrives at her childhood home in Short Junction. Here she learns the truth about her a terrible tale of unrequited love, of one man's enduring hatred, and of the black magic that has cursed generations of Lacey women.

A powerfully realised novel that brings back the unforgettable characters from Sugar , McFadden's bestselling debut, This Bitter Earth is a testament to the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.

Reader reviews for Sugar

'Such an enjoyable read... beautifully written, raw and impactful'
'Riveting, heart-breaking'
'Very powerful, poignant'
'Beautifully written... brutal and moving... a must read book'
'Well-written with rich characters and many twists and turns'
'So descriptive yet easy to read, and it made me fall in love with all the characters'