A review by jennrobyn
Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp

4.0

Friends I LOVED this book. Like every time I hit play on my phone my heart burst and I felt warm all over kind of love.⁣⁣
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The character development was probably the best I’ve read all year. Told in alternating voices between Pen and Xander, each chapter was a beautiful continuation or overlap of the previous and the story wove together seamlessly. There was humour and sadness, hilarity and sweetness and a found family to cherish in your heart. Ugh...I can’t express how wonderful this story was.⁣⁣
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Not to mention the FOOD! Mexican cuisine is my absolute favourite and this book had my mouth watering from beginning to end.⁣⁣
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I love a book that teaches us about overcoming obstacles, in this case anxiety and self doubt, being undocumented in a country where you want to lay down roots and a family who doesn’t always see or support you in ways you need to be seen and supported. Pen and Xander were two steadfast and strong main characters and I loved their journey so, so much. I could’ve listened to hours more!⁣⁣
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Thank you so much to @librofm and @hachetteaudio for my advanced listening copy. Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet is available on April 6!⁣⁣