lit_vibrations's Reviews (365)

Special thanks to @bibliolifestyle @blackstonepublishing for my gifted copy & @librofm for my gifted ALC‼️

Charles B. Fancher absolutely delivered with this book. It was richly layered and unfolds poetically through a multitude of characters transitioning from slavery to independence while also exploring the ties between an enslaved family and their plantation owners. With such a strong opening readers are immediately pulled into the story as Felix H. Parker is being laid to rest and someone from his past returns seeking reconciliation. 

There were so many unforgettable characters I was torn apart after what happened with Plessant. I also couldn’t believe Addie was seeking forgiveness after what she’d done to Felix or the fact he’d even consider forgiving her. Claude Parker was an absolute monster that showed how easy a person can turn evil for their own financial gain. He would stop at nothing to salvage his reputation and hold on to his family’s status even if it meant he had to lie.

As the novel progresses the vivid details and depth of the authors writing really brought to life an appropriate depiction of the time period portrayed in the book. The fact the author wove in pieces of his own family history made it all the more compelling. I also can’t get over how strong Felix’s character was. To see him go through so much from childhood to adulthood the trauma he endured ran deep but he never let it break him. 

Overall, the book was amazing but I felt there were some things that deserved to be fleshed out more. The pacing was perfect and the book held an even tone that made it easy to follow. Exploring the struggles of Black Americans after slavery, the violent treatment they continued to endure, the ties the formerly enslaved had with their owners, the rise of the KKK, the constant rebuilding, and fight for equality Fancher brings readers a true masterpiece. Ya’ll should know by now that historical fiction don’t miss‼️

Special thanks to @berkleypub @berkleyromance for my gifted copy‼️

The Love Lyric is book 3 in the Greene Sisters series which can be read as a standalone. It explores themes of grief, finding love after loss, forbidden romance, going after what you want, and choosing happiness over a career. Iris Greene had it all until she felt she didn’t. Losing her husband kind of stole her spark but then she met Angel and he helped her realize she deserved way more than she allowed herself to have. 

I didn’t instantly feel a connection between the characters but as the story progressed I fell in love with them. I also thought the age gap worked well in this it kind of makes sense why Angel was head over heels for Iris. I loved seeing Iris explore love after loss and the challenges a mother often faces when choosing to date with children. I loved seeing Angel pour out his heart through music it was so romantic. Overall, loved this one, it is a slow-burn but still worth reading‼️

Special thanks to the author & @ballantinebooks @randomhouse for my gifted copy‼️

This book was so good Junie is a compelling historical fiction novel that follows a 16 year old enslaved girl born on the Bellereine Plantation in Alabama. After the sudden death of her sister Minnie, Junie is burdened with grief and can’t shake the thought of her sister dying or feeling as though it were her fault. When Junie learns that she could be torn from her family one night she does the unthinkable raising Minnie’s spirit from the dead. Doing so would soon reveal dark secrets harboring Bellereine forcing Junie to take matters into her own hands. 

Junie was such a strong character but so stubborn and rebellious at times. If she was told not to do something she had her mind made up to do it anyway. Miscommunication and withholding information was the cause of Junie’s strained relationship with Minnie. I loved Caleb’s character and the wisdom he tried dropping on Junie about her role in Violet’s life. Funny how Violet turned out to be exactly who I thought she was. Junie giving her a taste of her own medicine was priceless and unexpected. And Mrs. McQueen that woman was so slick and evil . . .

Overall, I enjoyed this book‼️ I especially loved how the author incorporated the magical realism elements, it was perfectly executed. It also didn’t take long for me to connect with the characters. The pacing was perfect and the writing was so layered and immersive. If this isn’t on your TBR I highly recommend you add it.

Special thanks to the author @tiawilliamswrites & @coloredpagesbt @thenovl for my gifted copy‼️

Tia Williams gave us a YA romance novel and believe me when I say it does not disappoint. It was super cute, warm-hearted, and definitely made me laugh. The pacing was perfect, I loved the representation, and the authors approach with the book.

Audre was such a well-rounded character who was full of life, a little unsure of herself, and was still trying to find her place in the world. With dreams of becoming a future therapist she decides to write a self-help book to better her chances of getting into Stanford. But being that she’s barely experienced most things teen girls her age have already she seeks help from Bash Henry her “fun consultant” who also happens to be really cute.

The chemistry was there from the moment Audre and Bash crossed paths. I knew being friends and keeping it strictly business would only last so long. Both characters had strained relationships with their parents. Audre’s mom was a little over the top sometimes and a few of their interactions made me laugh. I felt bad for Bash he didn’t have the best mother and his father basically disowned him. But Audre and Bash were basically the missing piece to each other’s puzzle. He helped her see her true potential and she helped him realize it’s okay to fall in love. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and mostly all of the characters were lovable. Exploring the complexities of teenage life, parent-child dynamics, self-acceptance, first love, and healing broken relationships the author made everything in the book flow perfectly. If this isn’t on your TBR highly recommend you add it‼️

Special thanks to @literapy_nyc & @rowhousepub for my gifted e-ARC‼️

What’s the best thing to prescribe when dealing with depression, trauma or you’re seeking to heal? Sometimes medication isn’t enough? But you know what could be? The right book! 

When I first learned about bibliotherapy it was from following Emely’s IG page and seeing her promote and share with the book community what she does as a bibliotherapist. Some may think to themselves well how is a book gonna help me deal with a real life situation? 

Bibliotherapy in the Bronx gives readers a thorough understanding of what it is, how reading was established as a form of therapy, the utilization of poetry and music in therapy, the different ways literature can heal, the importance of libraries, backstory on how reading helped real-life clients, and the way literature itself can shed light on lived experiences that relate to a client’s situation. 

Broken down into 3 sections the author delves deeply into the practices of bibliotherapy, how it can be the doorway to finding peace, and using it as a path to empowerment and collective wellbeing. Each chapter explores the different methods used in a case and personal insight into how books have helped her evolve as a person and therapist. Get ready to annotate because she also name drops authors and literary works that have inspired her or impacted her clients. 

I loved Emely’s vulnerability and honesty letting us know that not every book will be for everyone. But there is the right book out there that addresses exactly what someone is dealing with. “The healing power of stories can transform your life through bibliotherapy.”

Overall, I enjoyed reading this and found it to be very helpful and informative especially the reflections. It honestly had me thinking about the type books I read and why I gravitate and connect with certain stories more than others. So, here’s another book worth adding to your TBR especially if you’re an educator or therapist!

Special thanks to the author & @berkleypub for my gifted copy ‼️

Set at the backdrop of the Reconstruction era this book was inspired by the true story of a Black community created by formerly enslaved people fleeing South Carolina in hopes of a better life. Dolen sheds light on a kingdom not often spoken about in American history and few are able to recall its true origins The Happy Land. Happy Land was a place where the people could live in peace, truly experience freedom, and build a community where their people could thrive. 

But what happens when you have no knowledge of your history or the value of the ground you walk upon? You end up like Nikki and her mother unconvinced that you could be a descendant of royalty let alone an heir to property worth millions. Maybe you’re like Luella and know that land ownership is a far greater reward when you understand the power it possesses. That is until you make a deal with the devil and he shows you exactly why you shouldn’t have trusted him in the first place. 

I truly enjoyed reading this book. The author wove the timelines together so well and added her own personal perspective based off research of Happy Land’s origin. At certain points you can’t discern fact from fiction which I loved. I read Vanessa Miller’s book The American Queen last year so I felt like I already knew these characters and reading this only heightened the connection. Exploring themes that delve deeper into heirs property, family ties, ancestry, the importance of having a will, the roots of systemic racism in land ownership, and financial disparities. Dolen has such a unique approach to historical fiction and the way she tells her stories to draws readers into a time period we’ve never been is unmatched.

She even went as far as shaking up the kingdom with a little drama and all I can say is she delivered. From uncovering the truth about the loss of the land, Luella’s ties to William and Robert, the influence Luella’s father had over her, and the tension with Mother Rita and her family made this book remarkably compelling. If you haven’t read yet I highly recommend you add it your TBR!

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️

Before I begin my rant let me start by saying ya’ll need to read this book ASAP‼️ This was a beautifully written novel filled with so much emotional depth and complex characters that will make your reading experience unforgettable. 

Exploring the complexity of Black womanhood, Black motherhood, mother-daughter relationships, the strain of mending broken maternal bonds, the deep impact of trauma through each generation, how a mother’s experiences can affect her parenting, and how a mother’s shortcomings and faults can be projected onto her child. 

The book follows four generations of complex Black women and the wounds that divide them as they redefine happiness and healing for themselves. There were so many layers to this story it was honest, authentic, and raw. You’ll find yourself sympathizing with each woman in the book. Charlotte wasn’t the best mother to Corrina for many reasons partly due to her relationship with her mother Evelyn. She was running from her past life and instead of confronting the trauma inflicted by her mother she masked the pain with alcohol and drugs. Corrina tried to be a better mother to Camille but fell short. The failed mother-daughter relationship cycle continued through each generation but would stop with Camille as the women collectively decide to focus on her future and put her best interest first. 

Overall, this book was amazing aside from its odd chapter structure the delivery was perfect. The characters are well-fleshed out and there is a seamless flow from one POV to the next. Johnson wrote this book so well you could feel the emotional weight each character had to carry. Her book will encourage readers to examine their own relationship with their mothers while also developing a deeper understanding of how their shared experiences have shaped and impacted their bond. Highly recommend this book.

Trigger warnings: Suicide, alcoholism, drug addiction, teen pregnancy, physical abuse 

Special thanks to the author & @canarystreetpress @harpercollins for my gifted copy‼️

Book 3 in the Peachtree Cove series did not disappoint it was a cute and cozy small town romance. I haven’t read the first 2 books yet but if they’re coming like this one I can’t wait. 

Tracey Thompson was the owner of the towns local Bed & Breakfast and while things might seem perfect on the outside. Mentally things are falling apart all around her. From dealing with terrible employees, a nasty divorce due to a cheating spouse, a loveless love life, and parents who just can’t get it together Tracey can’t catch a break. But on the upside she still has long time friend Brian who deep down she’s madly attracted to but is too afraid to act on anything. When he agrees to help her out with a wedding their close proximity causes sparks to fly and what should’ve been business only turned into back breaking pleasure with no-strings attached. But we all know how that goes!

This book was so messy I don’t know where to begin. It was funny how they were both dealing with failed marriages from two exes who strung them along at their expense. Tracey’s ex-husband was trifling for EVERYTHING he did and the nerve of her father for recommending she make things work with that man. Brian’s ex-wife was delusional and refused to let go. She annoyed me so bad and so did his mother.

Overall, the book was good but the pacing was a little slow for my liking. The author went heavy on the family and relationship drama which kept me engaged. The characters are likable and the interactions with Tracey’s friends are funny and wholesome. The story was an even balance of humor, romance, a little steamy, and drama‼️ It can be read as a standalone so if it’s been on your TBR here’s your green light to read it.

Special thanks to the author & @minotaur_books for my gifted copy‼️ 

A serial killer killing serial killer’s count me in. A team full of FBI misfits we’ll call them triple X ban together to find a serial killer. Each agent specializes in something that will help them find a break in the case. Dropping cryptic messages and hacking the FBI’s database the killer “Mad Dog” sends the team on a wild goose chase that would lead them right back to the Bureau. 

This was a cool book filled with dark themes and graphic scenes. It dragged a lot in the beginning and middle but I think I really enjoyed it because it reminded me of the movie The Little Things with a mix of Law & Order. This one might not be for everyone but if you like crime fiction/murder mystery you’ll like this book. 

Special thanks to the author & @berkleyromance for my gifted copy‼️ 

The Power of Persuasion was not my cup of tea. It was a blend of suspense and romance (odd concept) involving a political conspiracy and artificial intelligence. The writing was decent but I found the book to be a little boring and I couldn’t get into A.J and Damon having a romantic relationship. There wasn’t any real chemistry between the characters so I felt the romance aspect didn’t really fit. This was also a re-release from the early 2000’s and all I can say is you can tell!!! I don’t recommend this book but would definitely read more by the author.