WHAT CRITICS ARE SAYING
Testimonials
“Bitter for Sweet is an example of historical fiction at its best, firmly resting on facts, but powered by the dilemmas and strengths of characters faced with transformative encounters that change their life trajectories and their relationships. Libraries looking for historical fiction able to attract beyond its genre readership will find Bitter for Sweet a strong pick recommended not just for historical novel readers, but followers of women’s fiction, history, and experience.”
Midwest Book Review
“Startlingly beautiful....terrifying and suspenseful, but at the same time... heart-tugging, entrancing ...”
Booklymatters
“A haunting novel that deserves to be savored and pondered…Potter fuses relevant themes of courage, survival, honor, race, class, and gender disparity into this tale of riveting tensions. Impossible to put down.”
The Prairies Book Review
“... a book that will haunt you, move you and fascinate you”
Book Sirens (reviewer: Mochiato)
“Bronze medal winner in 2022 Book of the Year contest”
Historical Fiction Club
“Even the Monsters is a well-written and insightful book about one of the most challenging books in the Bible. Daryl’s knowledge of this ancient poem’s structure and explanations make the poem much easier to understand. Daryl’s personal story moved me to tears at points and audaciously tackles an obstacle to many people’s faith: unjust suffering.”
Book Sirens (reviewer: H. Peach)
“Even the Monsters: Living with Grief, Loss, and Depression: A Journey Through the Book of Job offers a powerful spiritual journey through loss, and searches for understanding in the face of tragedy…. highly recommended for discussion groups about grief, Job, or Biblical studies in general. These audiences will find plenty of specific links and revelations that are perfect for encouraging further inspection, discussion, and enlightenment.”
Midwest Book Review
“Over the years, I’m sure I’ve read the book of Job at least 30 to 40 times and, while certainly not an expert, considered myself to be well acquainted with the Biblical narrative. However, Daryl Potter showed me how much more there was to discover! Even the Monsters is a tremendous reserve of fresh insight and perspective, bringing Job’s story alive in ways I had never before experienced. What Daryl Potter has done is masterful.”
Guy Hammond, Author & Lecturer
“…a unique, remarkable exploration of the intersection between the book of Job and life. It is part commentary, part meditation, part personal story about a living nightmare. The parts are woven together in a compelling way….Even the Monsters is about hope in God who is greater than all the monsters in our lives.”
Jim Holston, Minister at Impact Houston Church
“I’ve never read such an engrossing book...[T]he story of a Nabatean princess, and a poor Jewish girl afflicted with seizures shows the personal impact of the politics of the time. Cypros and Pninah illustrate the enduring resilience of women, the terrors and triumphs of their positions in the roiling hotbed of intrigue and violence, and the indomitable spirit that allows both to rise from the wreckage of old dreams to build new and better realities for themselves and those closest to their hearts ...”
Booksprout (reviewer: Michelle S)