The Road to Bittersweet

By: Donna Everhart

Narrated by: Amy Melissa Bentley

For 14-year-old Wallis Ann Stamper and her family, life in the Appalachian Mountains is simple and satisfying, though not for the tenderhearted. While her older sister, Laci - a mute, musically gifted savant - is constantly watched over and protected, Wallis Ann is as practical and sturdy as her name. When the Tuckasegee River bursts its banks, forcing them to flee in the middle of the night, those qualities save her life. But though her family is eventually reunited, the tragedy opens Wallis Ann's eyes to a world beyond the creek that's borne their name for generations.

Carrying what's left of their possessions, the Stampers begin another perilous journey from their ruined home to the hill country of South Carolina. Wallis Ann's blossoming friendship with Clayton, a high diving performer for a traveling show, sparks a new opportunity, and the family joins as a singing group. But Clayton's attention to Laci drives a wedge between the two sisters.

As jealousy and betrayal threaten to accomplish what hardship never could - divide the family for good - Wallis Ann makes a decision that will transform them all in unforeseeable ways....

©2018 Donna Everhart (P)2017 Tantor

a great story with lots of twists and turns,.

this was a very nice story with lots of twists and turns and the narrator was great! I really enjoyed this book

Heart wrenching and inspiring

Real, gritty and uplifting. I really enjoyed the writing and the story. Narrator was perfect as well.

old fashioned storytelling at its best

I am a sucker for stories from the "holler," and spunky heroines. I love to read about people who know how to fend for themselves and, against all odds, survive.

Perseverance

When I read books like these in the comfort of my home, under a blanket, without the pangs of hunger, I often find myself drifting off thinking about all the suffering in the world, the famine, the senseless murders, natural disasters, and other things people are faced with. I count myself extremely fortunate and know it was only by luck I was born here instead of somewhere else.

What this family and the whole town of Tuskegee suffered was devastating. Unimaginable is truly a fitting word. Yet, life found a way. In this story, you can't help but fall in with the daily struggles of the main family and help root for some sort of positive outcome.

I found this story very heartfelt. 💕

Recommended 👍
📚📚📚📚

Great storytelling

Enjoyed this listen and the captivating story. Donna does a wonderful job depicting life in the hills. Sweet, often sad, story of struggles and triumph.

what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...

A poor Appalachian family, the Stampers are rich in what is most important. A cozy little house along clear Stampers Creek, a big garden and game to hunt... But they knew nothing wad more important than family, and this one would always be strong together.
However, they couldn't anticipate the long chain of disasters and tragedies that would come over the next few months. While death and destruction surrounded them, basic need for food and shelter dogged them as they set out to survive. Could they eventually find success again when so many others had failed? Will the strength of their family be the glue that sees them through? Or is it all as homeless as it continually appears to be?

Another good story

Good story, great character development, narration was okay, but not necessarily authentic to the area.

Was a good listen. Not too serious but yet intriguing.

Wasn’t long enough…leaves me asking now what happened? There has to be book two, I will be searching.

A true vocal intonation of the mountain folk

The story is so real. It hurt to learn of so much pain and guilt the family shared. The guilt placed on children is hard to appreciate. It is great to learn so much while being entertained.

Excellent view of Appalachia!

This book weaves a story of one Appalachian family and their struggles to survive. It’s also a “coming of age” story told by the family’s youngest member, Walis Ann.” Told well and performance superb. Highly recommend!