Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson

October 26, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson
Publisher: 37 Ink
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Ginger

Ethel Gathers, the proud wife of an American Officer, is living in Occupied Germany in the 1950s. After discovering a local orphanage filled with the abandoned mixed-race children of German women and Black American GI’s, Ethel feels compelled to help find these children homes.

Philadelphia born Ozzie Phillips volunteers for the recently desegregated army in 1948, eager to make his mark in the world. While serving in Manheim, Germany, he meets a local woman, Jelka, and the two embark on a relationship that will impact their lives forever.

In 1965 Maryland, Sophia Clark is given an opportunity to attend a prestigious all white boarding school and escape her heartless parents. While at the school, she discovers a secret that upends her world and sends her on a quest to unravel her own identity.

Toggling between the lives of these three individuals, Keeper of Lost Children explores how one woman’s vision will change the course of countless lives, and demonstrates that love in its myriad of forms—familial, parental, and forbidden, even love of self—can be transcendent.

If I had to summarize Keeper of Lost Children, I would describe it as a stunning and phenomenal novel that uncovers a hidden chapter of history.

Keeper of Lost Children is a deeply moving and beautifully written historical fiction novel that gives voice to a neglected part of post-WWII history: the abandoned, mixed-race “brown babies” born in Occupied Germany to local women and Black American GIs. This story not only educates but also lingers in your mind long after you turn the final page.

Sadeqa Johnson expertly weaves together the lives of three distinct individuals across different decades:

Ethel Gathers (1950s, Germany): As the proud wife of a Black American officer, Ethel is compelled to help find homes for the mixed-race orphans she discovers, a mission known as the “Brown Baby Project.” I found this historical detail fascinating.

Osbourne (Ozzie) Phillips (1948, Germany): A volunteer in the newly desegregated army, Ozzie’s forbidden relationship with a local German woman, Jelka, creates a ripple effect across generations. I particularly admire Johnson’s choice to include a male character’s perspective, which added depth to the story. Ozzie’s voice was essential, and it enriched the narrative significantly.

Sophia Clark (1965, Maryland): Sophia is a young woman navigating the challenges of integrating into an all-white boarding school, her journey of self-discovery is triggered by an explosive secret. My two favorite characters were Sophia and Ozzie, as I deeply empathized with them and wanted the best for their futures.

The novel is a hard-to-put-down read, unfolding in a way that grips you. It features smooth writing and strong, relatable character development. Johnson masterfully employs these three perspectives, ensuring that by the end, the reader cares about each character. The book’s greatest strength lies in how the three timelines converge with emotional impact and purpose. The connections between Ethel, Ozzie, and Sophia feel both surprising and incredibly inevitable, demonstrating the historical forces of racism and discrimination, as well as the way others’ decisions can shape or shatter entire families. The ending, which nearly brought me to tears, perfectly ties together the realities of love, loss, and belonging. While the book acknowledges sadness and lost time, its overall tone remains uplifting and hopeful. Keeper of Lost Children is a transcendent story about love in its many forms, familial, parental, and self-love.

This eloquently written novel brings much-needed historical context to light. My only complaint is that I wanted more details about the lives of Walter and Max! Could there be a sequel that covers their story? Keeper of Lost Children is a stunningly phenomenal work of historical fiction that I highly recommend.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Keys to a Happy and Healthy Marriage by Joyce Meyer

October 26, 2026 By Leave a Comment


The Keys to a Happy and Healthy Marriage by Joyce Meyer
Publisher: FaithWords
Genre: Contemporary, Non-Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Whether you’ve been married for thirty days or thirty years, you want a marriage that outlasts difficult times, grows in love and intimacy, and matches God’s perfect plan for relationships. But our marriages don’t always look the way we thought they would—you may be suffering through a marriage crisis, financial difficulties, or spiritual attacks. Or perhaps you aren’t struggling in your marriage, but you want to make your relationship as strong as it possibly can be. In The Keys to a Happy and Healthy Marriage, you’ll hear from beloved Bible teacher Joyce Meyer about how to unlock powerful truths from God’s Word for you and your marriage, overcome roadblocks to healthy relationships, live in peace with an insecure person, and take the focus off yourself and your spouse and instead look to the Lord.

Along with her lifetime of biblical wisdom, you’ll benefit from Joyce’s practical and personal experience that will help you grow in your marriage. Regardless of what stage of marriage you are in, you can experience hope and courage in God’s promises of healing, restoration, and a life full of His goodness!

Joyce Meyer’s book, The Keys to a Happy and Healthy Marriage, is a motivational and uplifting guide that offers a refreshing, faith-filled perspective on building a strong relationship. While much of the advice may feel familiar, the book serves as a valuable reminder of basic principles that can be easily forgotten in the day-to-day married life.

What makes this book so effective is Meyer’s transparent and down-to-earth writing style. It feels less like a formal lecture and more like a one-on-one counseling session. By openly sharing the ups and downs of her marriage, she makes it clear that no marriage is perfect and that every individual is a work in progress. This relatability enabled me to recognize that the challenges I face are common and that meaningful growth begins from within. The writing is also structured in an easy-to-follow way, with an outline that breaks down topics into digestible sections.

The book’s strength lies in its ability to connect marital advice with spiritual practice. A particularly impactful moment for me was the line: “Christ came as a servant to us, yet we find it hard to serve one another.” This simple yet profound statement highlights a common obstacle and encourages a change in perspective. The book consistently emphasizes that genuine love can only be given when it is first nurtured within oneself.

While not every piece of advice will fit every relationship, the core message of the book is universal. Its foundation is that by seeking guidance from God and striving to embody Christ-like virtues, we can develop patience and understanding for our spouse. This is a great read for both married couples and those preparing for marriage, as it offers a solid foundation for handling challenges and growing together as one.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams

October 23, 2026 By Leave a Comment


The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams
Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

It’s 1995, and fourteen-year-old Tati is determined to uncover the identity of her father. But her mother, Nadia, refuses to tell her, and her grandmother Gladys is just as determined to keep the past buried—including the truth about why she fled Land’s End, Alabama, in 1953.

Unbeknownst to Tati, the family has been cursed with a mysterious malediction: the Dupree women will only ever give birth to daughters. With each daughter’s arrival, the course of her mother’s life is irrevocably changed. In 1917, Jubi’s attempt to pass for white ends abruptly when she gives birth to Ruby. In 1934, Ruby’s fierce desire to be loved changes the course of the family once again. And in 1980, a single night alters Nadia’s future forever.

The Seven Daughters of Dupree reveals how trauma, love, and hard-won resilience reverberate from one generation to the next. As Tati pieces together the truth about her family—and herself—she discovers that the Dupree women’s ultimate inheritance may not be the curse that has followed them for generations, but the strength that has carried them through.

The Seven Daughters of Dupree is an ambitious, beautifully written novel that traces a century of history, pain, and resilience across seven generations of Black women. Author Nikesha Elise Williams masterfully handles the structure, creating a fluid narrative that moves seamlessly from 1917 to the mid-1990s.

The novel starts with a strong hook: fourteen-year-old Tati’s quest to uncover her father’s identity. This initial suspense effectively drives the plot. Williams excels at defining a large cast and interweaving their stories, making the complex timeline easy to follow. Each Dupree woman’s history marked by difficult choices and survival, is genuinely interesting, illustrating how generational trauma and familial bonds tie their lives together. The Dupree women, bound by a mysterious legacy that ensures only daughters are born. The characters’ raw, heartbreaking lives are depicted with unflinching clarity.

The novel starts strong and has a good structure, but it does not reach its full potential. My main frustration, which affects the rating, is the secret at the heart of the story. The book builds a lot of suspense, but the ending feels disappointing. The uncovering of a long-hidden family truth does not have the impact that the first 300 pages promised. It is sad that the Dupree women lived such hard lives. Each woman has flaws, and there were times when I did not agree with their choices. I felt sorry for Tati because I understand wanting to protect your child. However, I think there was a better way for Nadia to tell Tati about her father. Nadia clearly has not dealt with her own pain and still feels hurt. I also did not understand why Evangeline treated Ruby poorly and refused to tell her about her mother.

While the book does a great job showing the relationships between the women, it doesn’t explore important themes like secrets and intergenerational trauma deeply. These themes are often stated but not fully examined, which left me wanting a stronger conclusion.

The Seven Daughters of Dupree has strong structure and well-developed characters, making it a good read for its focus on women’s strength across generations. However, the less than satisfying central mystery stops it from reaching the potential that its strong premise and beautiful writing promised.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Weightless by Rocio Salas-Whalen, MD

October 15, 2026 By 1 Comment


Weightless by Rocio Salas-Whalen, MD
Publisher: Rodale Books
Genre: Contemporary, Non-Fiction
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Whether your struggle to lose weight has lasted years or started more recently, GLP-1 medications will help you finally end it. While GLP-1s have redefined how we treat obesity, the search for expert care is likely to leave you feeling confused, overwhelmed, and unheard. Misconceptions are everywhere. Many doctors are still catching up with the science. And you may find a prescription but not the medical supervision you need for the best results.

In Weightless, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, an expert in obesity medicine, delivers the real-world strategies that have helped thousands of patients achieve health goals that once felt out of reach. Her deeply compassionate approach sees obesity, not as a personal failure but as a chronic health condition that deserves medical treatment. Drawing on years of clinical expertise and the lived experience of her patients, she explains how to:

Rethink what you know about weight management: Learn why “eat less, move more” is an outdated and ineffective prescription.
Give your GLP-1 journey a strong start: Choose an experienced provider, ask the right questions at every appointment, and get better outcomes if you’re using telehealth.

Preserve muscle for long-term success: Follow Dr. Salas-Whalen’s advice for increasing protein intake and optimizing your strength training.

Protect your progress: Manage side effects with evidence-based care, recognize when you need a dosage change, and know what to do when GLP-1s don’t work.

Adjust to life after GLP-1s: Navigate the unexpected physical, social, and psychological changes that accompany significant weight loss.

Comprehensive and empowering, Weightless offers judgment-free support that ensures you never feel alone on this journey.

I like the layout of the book. It flows seamlessly and makes complex scientific concepts easy to understand. Dr. Salas-Whalen offers advice on finding the right medical provider, setting realistic expectations, and preparing for medical appointments. She provides insights into potential side effects and emphasizes that the goal is to lose fat while improving overall health and managing your well-being both during and after treatment.

I particularly benefited from the information regarding the critical role of protein in weight loss. The protein cheat sheet included in the book is fantastic, and the appointment checklist will be incredibly helpful for future doctor visits. Additionally, the varied and relatable personal stories really connect the science to real human experiences. It’s evident that Dr. Salas-Whalen genuinely cares about her patients. If you are currently taking a GLP-1 medication or are considering it, this is the most useful book I have come across. It left me feeling confident about my journey, providing clarity on what to expect in both the short and long term, as well as insights into the future of weight-loss medicine.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

With Her Baby on Her Back by Suzette D. Harrison

October 13, 2026 By Leave a Comment


With Her Baby on Her Back by Suzette D. Harrison
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Will she ever see freedom for her babies?

Mississippi, 1848. Enslaved midwife Zinnie is forced to walk two thousand miles behind the slavers’ wagons, her newborn strapped to her back and her two little girls clinging to her hands. Through pain, cruelty and unimaginable hardship, she holds on to one hope: keeping her children safe. And when they cross state lines, Zinnie sees a chance to fight for her family’s freedom…

Texas, present day. Like generations of women before her, Lynette is trying to build a better future for her child. Then she discovers a sapphire brooch hidden in her grandmother’s attic… As she uncovers the extraordinary story of an ancestor she never knew about, can Lynette unlock the strength she needs now more than ever?

Inspired by the remarkable true story of Biddy Mason, an African American woman and midwife, this sweeping, emotional novel celebrates the courage of a woman who fought for her family’s freedom and saved countless lives.

With Her Baby on Her Back offers a powerful dual‑timeline story rooted in the real life courage of Biddy Mason. The historical storyline following Zinnie is compelling, emotional, and often heavy, filled with hardship, pain, and moments that are uncomfortable but important to know. Her determination, resilience, and commitment to her children make her journey unforgettable, and the ending, centered on legal freedom and strength, is truly inspiring. The blend of historical fact with fiction is one of the book’s strongest elements.

However, the modern-day storyline with Lynette didn’t work as well for me. While her search for the truth about her family was interesting, her personal struggles pulled me away from the historical narrative I was most invested in. I wasn’t as drawn to keep reading during her chapters, even though I appreciated the connection between past and present.

I’m not sure whether the book ever clarified the level of education available to the enslaved characters, but some of the dialogue didn’t fully align with what felt authentic for the time period. Lines such as “A dead snake’s the only good snake. But you walloped those eggs like they were proxy for something,” or descriptions like “My youngest raced toward me, indignant,” occasionally pulled me out of the historical setting and made certain moments feel slightly inconsistent with the character as portrayed.

Still, the novel highlights strong women, motherhood, and generational resilience. I enjoy historical fiction, and although this one wasn’t quite for me, I’m glad I read about their strength and the adversities they overcame. For someone else, this style may be perfect. Just because I didn’t love it doesn’t mean you won’t.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Love by the Book by Jessica George

October 9, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Love by the Book by Jessica George
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Friendship is the love story you can count on.

Remy is lucky. Her debut novel, based on her three best friends, became an instant bestseller when it was released, and her agent and publisher are clamoring for a follow-up. But just as Remy’s creative inspiration seems to leave her, so too do her friends: one moves to New York, one gets pregnant, and one gets back together with her (awful) boyfriend. After an ill-advised one-night stand complicates matters further, Remy is left deeply alone—and unable to find her next book idea.

Simone is successful. A Kindergarten teacher with a passion for kids, and a well-paying side hustle that affords her all the material comforts she desires, she doesn’t have time for a robust social life. All Simone needs is her close-knit family—but after the true nature of her work is revealed, they cut her off, and she realizes for the first time just how isolated she is.

When Simone and Remy bump into each other (literally) in a bookstore, it isn’t exactly soulmates at first sight. Simone is guarded and prickly, Remy is insecure and heartbroken, and each woman is harboring a secret. And yet they might just be the missing piece the other has been searching for—if only they can let each other in.

Can Simone help Remy make one of the most important decisions of her life—and can Remy help Simone recover all that she’s lost? In Jessica George’s heartwarming, funny, and soulful second novel, she explores the restorative nature of female friendship and the life-changing power of platonic love.

Love by the Book by Jessica George is a soulful exploration of the seasons of life. The story follows Remy, a bestselling author struggling with writer’s block and the shifting dynamics of her core friend group, and Simone, a guarded teacher dealing with isolation after a family fallout. Their chance meeting sparks a unique platonic bond that helps them navigate secrets and major life transitions.

The novel’s greatest strength is its focus on platonic love. George does a beautiful job depicting how female friendships morph over time how some people drift away while others become vital anchors. The dynamic between Remy and Simone, despite being total opposites, is refreshing. They offer each other a judgment free space to process their respective secrets. While the themes of feminism and self-love are strong, the execution felt a bit uneven for me. The book felt slightly long, and there were stretches where I had to push myself to keep reading. Additionally, I found Remy’s character to be a bit overly dramatic. Her reaction to her friends moving away felt like an “end of the world” scenario, which became frustrating since they weren’t actually cutting ties. Finally, the big secrets both women were harboring, which drove much of the plot, felt glossed over at the end. After so much build-up, I wanted more detail and weight given to their final decisions rather than the brief mentions they received.

Overall, this is a good read for anyone who enjoys stories centered on the restorative power of friendship. It’s an decent book that offers insight into modern womanhood, even if the pacing and character reactions occasionally missed the mark.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Bad Seeds by Mary Monroe

October 8, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Bad Seeds by Mary Monroe
Book 6 of A Lexington, Alabama Novel
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

The daughter of a hardworking restaurant owner, Louise Brooks always sees the best in people—and in helping them no matter how difficult her own life gets. She’s lived through tragic loss and working in the family business, even after enduring a failed marriage and raising a child. So she’s delighted when she finds a best friend in Della Thornton, a woman struggling with bad breaks and unlucky romances. Many years later, when Louise’s father and her prosperous second husband pass away, Louise takes Della in and gives her a role in the restaurant as it grows more successful than ever . . .

Louise is now convinced lasting love is not in the cards for her—until she runs into handsome Malcolm Purdy. He’s everything she could want—outgoing, charming, and attentive. Soon they become engaged. And although Louise is dismayed that Della and Malcolm hate each other from the start, she does her best to keep the peace between the two people she cares about and trusts the most . . .

But a chance encounter from the past shows Louise that neither Della nor Malcolm is quite who they say they are—and their deceit runs deeper and deadlier than she imagined. With her illusions in ruins, how far will she go to see justice served? And will her final shocking move cost her more than she’s willing to lose?

Mary Monroe returns to the scandal-filled streets of Lexington, Alabama, with Bad Seeds, a gripping tale of envy and betrayal. The story follows Louise Brooks, a generous businesswoman who has weathered personal tragedy only to find herself ensnared in a web of deceit.
Monroe remains a master of character development. Louise is kind and giving but when those around her aren’t who they appear to be, she knows how to adapt. I appreciated how Monroe transformed Louise from a warm-hearted daughter and friend to a woman driven by her circumstances. I was definitely cheering her on. The historical backdrop of Lexington is always, rich with drama, and suspense that fans have come to crave. Monroe’s creativity shines, providing a shocking conclusion that I didn’t see coming.

If you are familiar with Mary’s writing, you know she takes her time to lay down essential details, giving her readers a full picture. While I sometimes find this frustrating with other authors, I am a fan of Mary’s writing style. While the storytelling is top-tier, there are moments where the pacing drags. However, I enjoyed following the breadcrumbs, engaging in the character development, and getting acquainted with the era and townsfolk. I always look forward to Mary’s endings, as her storytelling keeps you guessing and never disappoints. With her talent for storytelling, you may not know how it’ll end, I just know it’ll be a strong ending where her creativity consistently impresses.

This was a very good read and a fantastic addition to the Lexington series. To be honest, I enjoyed her previous book slightly more, but Bad Seeds still stands as a testament to Monroe’s talent for creating depth and dimension in her characters. Even though it’s a standalone, it carries that familiar energy that makes this world so addictive. If you’re a fan of historical suspense and strong female leads, this is a journey worth taking.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Liar’s Creek by Matt Goldman

October 5, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Liar’s Creek by Matt Goldman
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Riverwood, Minnesota is a scenic town threaded with trout streams carving their way through limestone bluffs. But beneath its picturesque facade, danger runs rampant.

Clay Hawkins isn’t a stranger to the secrets of his hometown. After twenty years away, Clay has recently returned home from abroad with his twelve-year-old son, and his relationship with his father, the recently replaced sheriff, is as strained as ever.

But when Clay’s beloved uncle disappears, the three generations of Hawkinses must overturn every stone in Riverwood and confront deep familial wounds to find the one person who brings them together. As danger looms, Clay worries that it might be too late to save his uncle―and that the rest of the family might be next.

In “Liar’s Creek,” the author creates a vivid atmosphere in Riverwood, Minnesota, where the limestone bluffs and trout streams feel like characters themselves. If you enjoy mysteries with a strong sense of place, the beautiful scenery is a standout feature.

At its heart, the novel is a raw exploration of multi-generational friction and the deep-seated wounds that define the Hawkins family. The strained relationships between Clay Hawkins, his 12-year-old son Braedon, and Clay’s father, former sheriff Judd Hawkins, feel real and emotional. As they search for their missing uncle, Teddy, they confront past wounds, adding depth to the suspense.

Clay’s relationship with his father is especially complex. They join forces to find Teddy, a charming but unreliable man who has gone missing before. This time, however, he hasn’t reached out to his wife or Judd. As the plot unfolds, Judd is hesitant to involve the new sheriff, Chief Zoey Jensen. Clay has his own secrets, which Judd suspects and Zoey will soon discover, but for now, their priority is finding Teddy. Braedon is an intelligent and intuitive boy who shares a close bond with his Grandpa Judd, as readers will find out, a connection Clay never had. Judd seems to be trying to make up for his past shortcomings as a father by nurturing his relationship with Braedon. Will the connection with his grandson help bridge the gap between him and Clay?

The backstory reveals that Clay and Judd’s relationship has always been troubled. After Clay’s mother passed away from breast cancer when he was young, Judd blamed Clay for her death. As they confront their shared past, Clay realizes he wants to break the cycle of dysfunction, especially since Braedon’s mother left when he was just a baby, never to be heard from again.

Overall, “Liar’s Creek” presents a captivating, easy-to-read storyline, even if some sections feel slow. The transition from a mystery to a heartfelt story about forgiveness and redemption is satisfying, even if the interpersonal drama sometimes overshadows the plot of finding Uncle Teddy.

Ultimately, “Liar’s Creek” masterfully blends slow-burn mystery with family dynamics. It goes beyond tackling the darkness of the past and offers a hopeful vision for the future, making it a rewarding read for those who appreciate stories filled with suspense, redemption, and the complex bonds of family.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Blood Rising by Markus Redmond

October 2, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Blood Rising by Markus Redmond
Blood Slaves Series, Book 2
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Historical, Horror, Paranormal, Action/Adventure
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Kwadzo Okoro never believed the bloody legend of Ramanga was real. Now, he stands as the leader of a new Ramanga Tribe, one that sieged the Barrow plantation in a storm of righteous carnage, liberating its formerly enslaved Africans. Reclaimed as the Crimson Plantation, it is now also home to the wronged Natives who fearlessly aligned with the Ramangans.

But Kwadzo knows that freedom is not secure. Bartholomew and Constance Crabtree, the most influential slaveholders in the region since the demise of Big Jim Barrow, are galvanizing the Lakeside community to strike back—violently. The threat they pose, however, pales in comparison to the insidious menace of Penelope Knudsen. Her white-hot hatred, now fueled by Ramangan blood, and an ability to survive the sunlight—a power Kwadzo doesn’t have—threatens to upend Kwadzo’s advancement of Ramangan might throughout the colonies to free his people.

But the gravest threat comes from within: Rafazi. His blood fathered the rebellion, but he will not take orders from his own creation. And when Rafazi makes a deadly deal with the Crabtrees, Kwadzo is forced into a battle with his maker that he may not survive, while the everlasting freedom of every enslaved person in the colonies hangs in the balance.

In Carolina and beyond, a reckoning is coming that will change the colonies forever.

Blood Rising is a brilliantly terrifying blend of supernatural horror and alternate history. In this second installment, a vengeful Ramanga vampire tribe, formed of formerly enslaved Africans, wages war across the Southern colonies in an ultimate battle for land, freedom, and rights. This book focuses on the liberated Ramangans and local Native tribes as they try to establish a new society while facing violent, relentless backlash from surrounding white plantation owners.

While it wasn’t quite as action-packed or exciting as the first book, I did struggle with some parts. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the aftermath of the rebellion and observing how life progressed after the initial emancipation of the enslaved. Following Kwadzo Okoro as he leads the new Ramanga Tribe, now established at the reclaimed Crimson Plantation alongside allied Native tribes, provides a compelling continuation of the story.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was seeing Gertie’s maturity since book one and her support for Kwadzo. The introduction of new, highly influential slaveholders Bartholomew and Constance Crabtree added a layer of anxiety to the plot. They were incredibly easy to dislike and constantly made me wonder if Kwadzo and his people would be able to continue their fight against such evil opposition. Another new character introduced is Jenue, whose relevance I’m unsure of. They seem to follow a similar path as Rafazi, showing less concern for the freedom of the people or the fight for it, focusing instead on their own happiness and pleasures.

What I appreciate most about Redmond’s writing is his commitment to historical accuracy. He addresses the brutal mistreatment of enslaved people and Native tribes with honesty, which adds significant weight to the story. This alternate history is driven by passion and justified anger, transforming a dark chapter of pre-colonial America into an empowering narrative. I particularly admire that it serves as a fascinating study of power, achieved through a brilliant reimagining of both history and vampire lore.

The suspense surrounding Penelope Knudsen was another highlight. Driven by hatred and fueled by Ramangan blood, her ability to survive sunlight creates a massive threat to Kwadzo. Watching her character unfold leaves me guessing whether she will choose to maintain her malevolent spirit or ultimately work for the greater good. With the dire threat of the blood-father Rafazi making deadly deals with the Crabtrees, the stakes are incredibly high. I’m anxiously waiting for the next installment in the book series to see how this reckoning in the colonies concludes!

Filed Under: Horror, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Kin by Tayari Jones

October 1, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Kin by Tayari Jones
Publisher: Knopf
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Vernice and Annie, two motherless daughters raised in Honeysuckle, Louisiana, have been best friends and neighbors since earliest childhood but are fated to live starkly different lives. Raised by a fierce aunt determined to give her a stable home in the wake of her mother’s death, Vernice leaves Honeysuckle at eighteen for Spelman College, where she joins a sisterhood of powerfully connected Black women and discovers a world of affluence, manners, aspiration, and inequality. Annie, abandoned by her mother as a child and fixated on the idea of finding her and filling the bottomless hole left by her absence, sets off on a journey that will take her into a world of peril and adversity, as well as love and adventure, culminating in a battle for her life.

“Kin” is a heart-wrenching exploration of what it means to find “kin” when growing up without a mother. Tayari Jones’s writing is both descriptive and soulful, particularly in how she handles the different ways Annie and Niecy deal with their shared grief. The characters, Annie and Niecy, are unforgettable. Their desperation for connection is very evident. I fell in love with these two young women as they navigated different paths toward adulthood, searching for belonging. Their bond, maintained through letters, felt incredibly authentic, and Jones’s well-crafted, lyrical writing made them come alive as real people.

The themes in the book, focusing on motherhood, surrogate mothers, and the unique experiences of being a black woman in the South, are handled with immense care. Jones’s writing style is simply gorgeous, enriching the narrative with depth and emotion. However, I found some aspects that held it back. The pacing felt uneven, and it took me a long time to finish the book. Despite the quality of the writing, my engagement wasn’t consistent, and I struggled to stay invested.

The ending felt rushed and somewhat choppy. I understood the message about how different choices lead to varied outcomes, but the conclusion needed more room to breathe to truly resonate. Overall, “Kin” is a beautiful rendering of friendship and hardship that left me with heavy thoughts to ponder. It’s a very good read, and I’m grateful for the experience.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
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