Chasing A Second Chance
By Brenda Jackson
3.75⭐ This book truly had it all: wealthy Black elite families, ranches, cowboys, deep family secrets, and a beautiful mature romance. As an older adult—navigating grown children, divorce, and becoming an empty nester—I loved seeing characters tackle the complexities of finding a new path in life.
Matthew and Iris were absolutely perfect, and their chemistry was spot-on without the spice level ever overpowering the story. I also have to shout out the audiobook narrator; he told the story flawlessly!
My only critique is that the complicated family tree situations made it hard to keep track of who was who, causing me to occasionally zone out during those explanations. However, I’m not usually a short story fan, but this one completely won me over. It didn’t leave me wanting more; it wrapped up perfectly.
The Girls Who Grew Big
By Leila Mottley
5⭐ Completely speechless. I need a moment to sit back and process this incredibly beautiful, emotional, and meaningful book. It is absolutely going to stick with me for a long time.
My heart completely ached for these characters and their struggles. Being a teen mom myself, even with all the support in the world it was still hard. I felt so much empathy for these girls and just wanted to save them all.
Leila’s writing style is gorgeous and utterly captivating. I am officially obsessed and could read her words all day long! The only negative thing that I have to say, is that there was no epilogue. I’m so sorry. I just need epilogue , I’m an epilogue girly🤪 I like things to be wrapped up in a pretty bow and updates on everyone.
The Ladies Hall
By Vanessa Miller
4.50 ⭐Miller paints a vivid, devastating picture of the harsh realities and cruel treatment Black people endured during this era. Her writing always evokes a deep, visceral emotional response in me. It is harrowing to reflect on a time when a person could be stripped of their dignity—or wrongfully imprisoned and forced into labor—for simply speaking the wrong way or sitting in the wrong seat. This story made my heart ache for what my ancestors endured, but it also highlighted the incredible bravery and strength of these women. While I wish the narrative had dived a bit deeper into the individual lives and personal backgrounds of the ladies, I understand a single book can only hold so much. This important story has inspired me to do my own research into these trailblazing women. Thank you, Vanessa Miller, for bringing another vital piece of history to light!
Take What You Can
By Naima Coster
3.75⭐ This book is a profound character study of how female friendships adapt, change, and sometimes buckle under the weight of life. The connection between Val and Milly is so consuming that they rarely know how to handle it. I highly recommend this if you appreciate reading about layered, intricate relationships. I love Naima Costers work, this book did not disappoint!
Children Of Blood And Stone
By Tomi Adeyemi
Chi4.50⭐ I’m not usually a YA fantasy reader, but I really loved this book!! It is the perfect blend of magical realism, action, and romance, avoiding the overly complex magic systems that sometimes makes me dislike this genre. I was shocked about some of the deaths, I was expecting certain characters to make it further in the series, so that surprised me. Some of the intense themes felt a bit too mature for the YA label, but again I don’t read a lot of YA so maybe this is normal. I am officially hooked and cannot wait to continue the series!
