Uncaged Review - Bittersweet Tavern by S. Copperstone

As seen in Issue 2 of Uncaged Book Reviews. To read all the reviews, please see the issue - links below.

Bittersweet Tavern

S. Copperstone

Historical/American Revolution

Blurb: Jerusha, a widowed barmaid in the upper Massachusetts Colony, was feisty and could handle herself, but she was also a bit of a klutz. This was not necessarily a bad thing when she stumbled into the arms of a mysterious ship captain, hardened by the early battles of the American Revolution. Yet, beneath that gruff exterior, she thought she detected something more in the sea-dog. Something…almost familiar.

Amazon Link

Uncaged Review: This book takes place at the start of the American Revolution in 1775. The book focuses on Jerusha and her family that live in Fallmouth, Mass. and a boy she knew as a child, Daniel. Fast forward, and Jerusha is a widow - having lost her husband to the British,, and Daniel is the captain of his own ship. But Jerusha hasn’t figured out if Daniel is a Patriot or working for the British, or if he’s a privateer. She returns to Fallmouth to help her family with the business of The Bittersweet Tavern. Seeing Daniel come into the tavern for food and drink, feelings for him resurface, and she sets out to find out all she can. 

I did enjoy the writing and the descriptive places, but the romance between Jerusha and Daniel was almost negligible and unsatisfying for me. The ending was pretty abrupt and even though it wasn’t a cliffhanger, it only gave hints at their future. The author meant to have us see Jerusha as stubborn and fierce in her loyalty, but a lot of times she just seemed pushy, selfish and impulsive. Even with these issues, the story was a pleasant read thanks to the author’s terrific setting and storyline. Reviewed by Cyrene

3 1/2 Stars