Okay so Carved in Ebony wasn't exactly the book I thought it was going to be. What do I mean by that? Well, I thought Holmes was going to be giving brief biographies about each of these women. That is what I entered into this book expecting. I was surprised when I started but it wasn't a bad surprise. I KNEW this was being published by Bethany House but I thought it was going to be less Christian-y. HOWEVER, even though my expectations versus the reality was different it was a good reality.

"It is from this perspective that I seek to tell you the story of 10 incredible Black women. I tell you about their struggles and their triumph not to elevate their blackness, but to elevate God's grace in creating that brown skin in his image. When I tell you the story about dignified Black womanhood, I do so to combat the opposite narrative, yes, but I also do it to point to be inherent dignity and the worth of women, whom God created in his image and for his glory.
God's image carved in ebony."

" I want to make a statement, the one that is not up for debate: Black women are made in the image of God. They are that image carved in ebony cues, wrought with a purpose, for His glory."

"As I read each of their names, I see a testimony of God's loving-kindness, of his triumph, of the beautiful diversity he has invested into American history a diversity that is so often overlooked."

These are all quotes from Jasmine Holmes in the introduction. As a black woman in America, she makes the statement time and time again on how this project is near and dear to her heart. Holmes has each chapter dedicated to a particular Black Woman in the faith whom she wanted to highlight. Using their lives as a narrative to push a particular lesson or trait Holmes shows how these women have inspired and encouraged her, in her own life. Jasmine Holmes sincerity and personal narrative touched me. I kept tearing up in reading Carved in Ebony. I think reminders are needed for Black people in the church, especially Black women that God loves and desires us.

I wish there was more biography in Carved in Ebony. I know Holmes had limited sources for some of the women so there was a limited narrative of their lives. Another review on GR has called Carved in Ebony a historio-memoir (how history has influenced the memoirist) and while I wouldn't necessarily call Carved in Ebony Holmes memoir I would say the amount of personal experience and feeling in this book does show Carved in Ebony is a labour of love. As the chapters went on I felt Holmes was getting repetitive in her sentiments. I enjoyed learning about the women in each chapter though. I believe Carved in Ebony is worth a read.