The Bitter End Birding Society

About the Book

 Hometown hero Ana Leigh Watkins ventures to Bitter End, Tennessee, to help her great-aunt get her house ready to sell. Bitter End seems an ironic place for Ana to refresh her weary spirit, but she's desperate for respite from her community's attention and unwarranted admiration. While on a hike in Roan Mountain, a ragtag group of amateur bird watchers take her under their wing--a little against her will. However, she quickly warms to these genuine souls seeking solace in the great outdoors.

But when Ana's adventures in Bitter End lead her to a severed branch of her family tree--one that involves the forbidden love between a moonshiner's daughter and a preacher's son--what began as a quest to study Appalachian birds becomes a transformative journey that binds together two women who, though they live on the same street, have been estranged for sixty years.

Immerse yourself in the lyrical prose and layered plotting of award-winning novelist Amanda Cox as she offers up an engaging story of finding belonging, reconciliation, and new beginnings in the most unexpected places. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I finished reading this book days ago and it is still on my mind. That usually says a lot about a good story. I think this is my second favorite book by Amanda Cox and it really touched on some special things. There is a lot going on with many different characters and it flips back and forth from the present to the past. Once you get in the flow of reading it all makes sense but it did take me a minute. 

The characters are so real to life and well developed that I feel like I know them well enough I could spend time with them and their bird society. So many issues are dealt with such as bitterness, death, grief, trauma, regret, love, family connections, and value in God's eyes. There is even a delightful dog that shows up on the scene. This story also includes a mobile wedding chapel that I did not see coming. From laughter to tears, this story is heartfelt and one to savor until the end. I highly recommend! 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own."