Sweet Bitter Love

"Sweet Bitter Love", Rita Schiano's debut novel, explores the passion, pain, and fragility of life with an alcoholic. Written with courage and clear-eyed honesty, Schiano’s easy-to-read prose coupled with an energizing style vividly captures the rhythm and feel of a relationship that walks the fine line between compassion and codependence.

The title was originally published by Rising Tide Press in 1997 and bears its ISBN. In 2003, the author regained exclusive ownership of all rights to the work. The Reed Edwards Company distributes the book on behalf of the author.

Reviews

...Schiano captures the passion, pain and fragility of modern day romantic relationships...Readers will cycle through feelings of joy, bitterness, excitement and anger as they learn how and why the relationship unfolds as it does...Schiano presents this dramatic tale of love, pain and soul-searching in clear, easy-to-read prose with an energizing style that dares the reader to set the book down. Highly recommended!
Susan Phelps, author "A Lady Without a Latitude"

Schiano serves up passion, courage, and clear-eyed honesty in this dramatic debut novel. A roller-coaster romance which vividly captures the rhythm and feel of love's sometimes rocky ride.
Womankind Books, New York

The reader sees the relationship from Jenny's point of view, from her beginning fascination with Susan, through to the end. It is an interesting look into the highs and lows of life with an alcoholic...This is not an easy subject ...It is, however, a situation common to many. Schiano has opened the door to an important subject that few want to discuss.
R. Lynne Watson, "Mega Scene", Palm Springs, Vol. #14

This is a debut novel by Rita Schiano - passionate, courageous and dramatic. Definitely a name to remember. When's the next book out?
"ScotsGay Magazine", Scotland