4/14/2021 The Intimacy Experiment (The Roommate #2) By Rosie Danan

Publisher : Berkley (April 6, 2021)
Language : English
Paperback : 336 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593101626

Naomi and Ethan will test the boundaries of love in this provocative romance from the author of the ground-breaking debut, The Roommate.
Naomi Grant has built her life around going against the grain. After the sex-positive start-up she cofounded becomes an international sensation, she wants to extend her educational platform to live lecturing. Unfortunately, despite her long list of qualifications, higher ed won't hire her.

Ethan Cohen has recently received two honors: LA Mag nominated him as one of the city's hottest bachelors and he became rabbi of his own synagogue. Low on both funds and congregants, the executive board of Ethan's new shul hired him with the hopes that his nontraditional background will attract more millennials to the faith. They've given him three months to turn things around or else they'll close the doors of his synagogue for good.

Naomi and Ethan join forces to host a buzzy seminar series on Modern Intimacy, the perfect solution to their problems--until they discover a new one--their growing attraction to each other. They've built the syllabus for love's latest experiment, but neither of them expected they'd be the ones putting it to the test.


"The Roommate is a book about people expanding into their best possible selves — about embracing pleasure, loving unabashedly and fighting exploitation and small-mindedness."—New York Times Book Review

"This follow-up to Danan’s steamy 2020 debut The Roommate is filled with humor, healing, and heady good times (and, yes, that is a naughty pun)."—Vulture

“I could cry about how much I love Naomi and Ethan. Rosie Danan’s writing brims with compassion and wit, and there’s a tenderness that runs underneath everything—even when her characters are positive they’re not falling for each other. A stunning, subversive romance that made me proud to be Jewish.”—Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of The Ex Talk

"The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan is effervescent. It is the perfect combination of endearing vulnerability, swoon-worthy romance, and scorching chemistry. Rosie Danan brings us a charming exploration of the intersections of sex, love, faith, and identity in a fiercely feminist novel that will leave you breathless."—Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting

"The Intimacy Experiment delivers on every promise: humor, steam, and an 'unlikely' couple that readers will not only fight for, but admire."—Felcia Grossman, author of Dalliances and Devotion


MY REVIEW:


This is my first Rosie Danan book and I am now a huge fan of her incredibly imaginative writing with characters I love reading about that are unconventional, fun, and simply exciting.

Naomi and Ethan are super hot hot hot!! These two are on fire and I just love this funny, sexy and oh so good and amazing romance that is giving me the hot flashes and really giving me life. Try putting a sex educator who was an ex-pornstar and now an amazing businesswoman alongside a hot young rabbi, and this is what you will get. An amazing story that is scandalous, juicy for sure, and nothing boring here.

As an Angeleno and living on the west side by Olympic and Fairfax as a teen brought a lot of great memories for me. Overall, just reading about Los Angeles as a setting made this read even the more fun for me.

This is a super fun read and don't miss this one especially for a really nice escape read or when you are feeling like reading something that will make you smile and laugh, do pick this one up. I say this is a great read to get you out of any reading slump. I Loved it! I am picking up the Roommate now coz I don't know how I missed that book.




AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

Rosie Danan writes steamy, big-hearted books, articles, and tweets about the trials and triumphs of modern love.

The New York Times calls Rosie Danan’s debut novel, THE ROOMMATE “a book about people expanding into their best possible selves…warmly funny and gorgeously sexy.” The rom-com has been optioned for film, and a companion book THE INTIMACY EXPERIMENT is forthcoming April 6, 2021 in both the US and UK.

After participating in the writing mentorship program Pitch Wars as a 2018 mentee, she was thrilled to rejoin the organization as a 2019 and 2020 mentor.

When not writing, Rosie enjoys jogging slowly to fast music, petting other people’s dogs, and competing against herself in rounds of Chopped using the miscellaneous ingredients occupying her fridge.

As an American expat currently living in London, she's developed an incurable fondness for electric kettles.

To receive first look updates on Rosie's books as well as infrequent—but cultivated with care—odes to swoon-worthy celebs, useful writing tools, and recommendations for everything from books to bold lipsticks, subscribe to her newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/rosiedanan

April 13, 2021 The Forsaken Children by Naomi Finley @HFVBT Book Tours

 

The Forsaken Children by Naomi Finley

Publication Date: April 13, 2021 Huntson Press Series: The British Home Children, Book 1 Genre: Historical Fiction     A riveting tale of endurance and resilience, illustrating the spirit of a child and the bond between siblings. It’s 1922. Fifteen-year-old Hazel Winters and her six-year-old brother, William, are placed on a ship by an organization that relocates British orphans and children of poverty to new homes in Canada. Arrivals in the new land are exported to distributing houses, where devastation and heartache greet the youngsters as headmistresses govern their fate. The assurance of a better life across the ocean is far from what Hazel experiences. Through hardships and loneliness, she is determined to survive. Finding refuge in memories of the past, she clings to the dream of returning to her homeland while preserving a reunion in her heart. In 1890, orphaned Charlotte Appleton and her sister Ellie were scooped up from London’s streets and sent to new homes across the ocean. Although mere miles kept them apart, Charlotte never knew her sister’s whereabouts until a chance interaction reunites them. Together the siblings vow to make a difference for the families and home children of an institution in Toronto, Ontario. Can an unexpected guardian give Hazel renewed strength and resolve for a future of promise? Based on the child emigration movement that occurred from 1869 through the late1930s, this poignant tale follows the lives of siblings who were burdensome byproducts of Britain's poverty.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

MY REVIEW 

I absolutely adore reading about the early 1900's time frame, and this one especially was such an amazing story which gripped my heart - this happens every time I read about children and their state of poverty or being orphans. I love seeing the resilience, strength, and the stories about survival and how these characters are able to get through hardships when everything is against them. 

It is during that time in the late nineteenth century when Britain, faced with poverty that resulted families and children living in horrid slums where many were sent to the workhouses, while others lived in the streets begging and stealing, until organizations found a way to help these children find a better future elsewhere. Some children found hope and happy homes, while some escaped one horrid condition only to experience such circumstances not unlike what they had just tried to escape from. 

I had never known about this part of British and Canada history until reading this book where I found myself in a rabbit hole learning about the British Child Emigration Movement that officially began on October 28, 1869 and started by an English social reformer Maria Rye where 68 children were brought from Liverpool to Canada. 

I found that Naomi Finley wrote this story beautifully through the eyes of fifteen year old Hazel. The writing was immersive and rich in detail and told the harrowing story some of the children went through. It did bring tears to my eyes and I really enjoyed this book.

About the Author

Naomi is an award-winning author living in Northern Alberta. She loves to travel and her suitcase is always on standby awaiting her next adventure. Naomi’s affinity for the Deep South and its history was cultivated during her childhood living in a Tennessee plantation house with six sisters. Her fascination with history and the resiliency of the human spirit to overcome obstacles are major inspirations for her writing and she is passionately devoted to creativity. In addition to writing fiction, her interests include interior design, cooking new recipes, and hosting dinner parties. Naomi is married to her high school sweetheart and she has two teenage children and two dogs named Egypt and Persia. For more information, please visit Naomi Finley's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, April 12 Review & Excerpt at Novels Alive Tuesday, April 13 Review at Nursebookie Wednesday, April 14 Review at Girl Who Reads Excerpt at Books & Benches Thursday, April 15 Review at The Caffeinated Bibliophile Friday, April 16 Review at Library of Clean Reads Saturday, April 17 Excerpt at What Is That Book About Monday, April 19 Review at Reader_ceygo Tuesday, April 20 Excerpt at Coffee and Ink Review at 100 Pages a Day Wednesday, April 21 Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals Thursday, April 22 Review at Impressions in Ink Excerpt at Reading is My Remedy Friday, April 23 Review at Bibliostatic Excerpt at Gwendalyn's Books

Giveaway

Enter to win a mystery box of goodies + a copy of The Forsaken Children by Naomi Finley! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on April 23rd. You must be 18 or older to enter. The Forsaken Children

April 05, 2021 Drive: 9 Lessons to Win in Business and in Life BY Kelley Earnhardt Miller @tlcbooktours

An inspirational, practical guide to success in business and life learned through the opportunities and challenges of growing up as the daughter of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. and becoming one of the most influential women in professional sports. A successful businesswoman shares her story of growing up in the world of NASCAR and the lessons she learned along the way.

Just like a racecar as it takes to the track, each of us needs a certain amount of fine-tuning for our journey through life. In Drive, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, daughter of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and sister to Dale Jr., opens up about growing up in the world of NASCAR, sharing the lessons she learned about being a successful business leader and what she discovered, often the hard way, about winning in life.

Kelley never felt she was winning at anything until she began to deal with the thoughts and feelings that were driving her decisions and taking her in the wrong direction. Her journey of transformation is what empowered her to run the family business in an entirely different way than she had previously and to lead people not only with her head but also with her heart.

Drive offers nine important lessons learned about winning in business and in life, given not as a formula for greatness but as insight from a fellow traveler on a journey that is sometimes difficult, painful, unexpected, or confusing and sometimes exhilarating and joyful.

Become a stronger person and a more effective leader by facing the truth about your own life in a healthy way and then drive to the win!

Editorial Reviews

'Kelley's extraordinary experiences have helped shape her into one of the most sincere, down-to-earth, and honest people I've encountered in both business and life. With incredible candor and relatability, she takes readers inside her unique journey and shares a remarkable leadership style that's all her own. Built on integrity, compassion, and the Earnhardt family's trademark drive to succeed, Kelley's story serves as a road map for servant leadership and putting people first.' Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports; chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group

'Kelley masterfully shares complex subject matter in a personal and easily understandable way in Drive. The look into Kelley and Dale's childhood and her journey to become one of the most influential female executives in all of sports is an inspiration to all. The 'lessons learned' portion of the book only confirms why I have always looked up to Kelley. This is a great read not only for NASCAR fans but for those who want to be better leaders, parents, and human beings.' Jim McCoy, vice president, Nationwide Marketing

'Kelley Earnhardt Miller is an incredible mix of hard-nosed business sense, creativity, and loyalty. While being a great businessperson seems effortless to her, she has an uncanny ability to lead a diverse set of employees while racking up wins, growing the company, serving on boards, and raising a family. To get a peek inside her mind is a true privilege for those who want the secrets to her success.' Thayer Lavielle, executive vice president of talent marketing and operations, The Collective

'It is a rare thing to find a book that is so brilliantly written for business andlife. Kelley will help you win at both like no one else can--with heart and unmatched experience. As a mom to three and CEO of a dynamic business, I found that Drivehad a profound effect on how I intentionally pursue what matters. Get ready to be inspired and challenged to take your work and life to the next level--a must-read!' Lara Casey, CEO of Cultivate What Matters; author of Cultivateand Make It Happen

'Kelley finds a way to drop the curtain surrounding what some might call insider knowledge about the sport of NASCAR and the business that fuels it. But even more impressive is the way she also drops the same curtain when it comes to herself. Her honesty and vulnerability make this book not only a great read but an important work/life handbook.' Krista Voda Kelley, television host; reporter for NASCAR on NBC

'Reading Kelley's Drivefelt like sitting in a room and listening to her tell me all the things she addresses directly and only to me. Through this book, you not only get sage advice from someone who has made a name for herself; you also get to know Kelley. You learn why those who know her respect and appreciate her.' Mike Helton, vice chairman of NASCAR

'The impact of the Earnhardt family in my life and career has been immeasurable. I've practically watched Kelley Earnhardt Miller grow from that confident little girl hanging out with her dad and brother at the racetrack in the early eighties to a successful businesswoman today. Kelley is a person of utmost integrity and has a work ethic like none other. As a result of that hardworking attitude, I'm confident that this book will succeed. Kelley is not only a special friend to the Childresses, but I consider her to be a part of our family.' Richard Childress, chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing.

MY REVIEW:

In Drive, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, a mother to three and CEO, shares nine key lessons she has learned to become the success she is in both her personal and professional life. This book feels like having a one on one mentorship with a friend advising you how to win in life.

Her approach has always been easy, full of heart and a servant leader approach. She goes over these points in depth and in a way that can be applied easily and immediately.

* Be Authentic and Approachable
* Manage Your Emotions
* Succeed Using Strengths
* Let Go to Move Forward
* Customize Your Communication
* Know How to Make Decisions
* Aim for the Win-Win
* Show Kindness
* Live a Balanced Life

I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for success and finding the balance in their persona and professional life.

About the Author


Kelley Earnhardt Miller is part owner and general manager of JR Motorsports and is considered one of the most prominent businesswomen in NASCAR today. She oversees the company’s race team, management team, and business ventures for her brother, Dale Earnhardt Jr. The daughter of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt, Earnhardt Miller graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA in business administration. A multiple-award recipient, she was named in 2015 as one of SportsBusiness Journal’s Game Changers/Women in Sports Business for her impact on the motorsports industry. Kelley is married to L.W. Miller and is mom to Karsyn, Kennedy, and Wyatt.

April 05, 2021 Why I Never Finished My Dissertation Paperback – TLC Book Tours

Publisher : Headmistress Press (August 18, 2019)
Language : English
Paperback : 108 pages
ISBN-10 : 1733534512

Named one of seven Best Indie Poetry Books of 2019 by Kirkus.

Foley’s writing may appear sparse and reserved but it harbors a subtle power. The poet’s greatest strength is her acute sense of observation. She possesses the ability to thread sensuousness into the fabric of everyday life. . .This is a dazzling volume of poetry that delights in crisp imagery and tender recollections.
—Kirkus Reviews

Eric Hoffer/Montaigne Medal Finalist
Eric Hoffer/da Vinci Eye Finalist
Eric Hoffer Book Award Honorable Mention

The quest to discover why this poet does not complete a dissertation, leads to an astonishing read. This collection reveals a wide range of life-changing experiences beginning with a marriage to a hunchback Moroccan, almost twice the writer's age. Other poems express revelations and observations that arise out of travels, such as a trip to Tehran, where the poet stands on a bullet-riddled balcony watching a hurried crowd "spill Khomeini from his coffin." The signature poem unveils a suddenly busy domestic life in a second marriage with three young children and puppies. Toward the end readers experience love which results in marriage with a same-sex partner. No matter one's personal story, what makes a story great is how it is told.
—The US Review of Books

MY REVIEW:

This April is National Poetry Month and what amazing time to be reading this amazing collection of poems by Laura Foley. 

In "Why I Never Finished My Dissertation", I found her words beautiful and real, giving the readers a snapshot or glimpses of her life, her everyday life, the beauty of nature, the hardship of being a mother, or even marrying a man to become a Muslim wife and to give him a green card because it was less terrifying than being with a woman she likes, or her visiting her older sister in a psychiatric hospital. More than that is her love for Clara - her wife, the story of her son, the birth of her grandchild, the political climate, and a host of other horrors of our current life, but it is also the beauty of love and kindness for humanity and the miracles of life. 

In less than 100 pages and definitely a collection that could be read in one sitting, I did enjoy these over the weekend reading and re-reading Foley's thoughts and feelings through her words. The poems are quite immersive, keenly observant, funny at times, but gut punching and heart wrenching many a times. I really enjoyed this one. 

Thank you for having me in this amazing tour and to have had experienced Laura Foley's brilliant work of art. 

This was absolutely fantastic I highly recommend. Enjoy!

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: 

Bio is from Bio — Laura Foley (lauradaviesfoley.com)

Laura Foley won first place in the Common Goods Poetry Contest, judged by Garrison Keillor (her poem “Gratitude List” was read on Prairie Home Companion); the 2016 National Outermost Poetry Prize, judged by Marge Piercy; Harpur Palate’s Milton Kessler Memorial Poetry Award; and the Grand Prize for the Atlanta Review’s International Poetry Contest.

She is the author of six poetry collections, her most recent being WTF. The Glass Tree won the Foreword Book of the Year Award, Silver, and was a Finalist for the New Hampshire Writer’s Project, Outstanding Book of Poetry. Joy Street won the Bisexual-Writer’s Award. Her poems have appeared in journals and magazines including Valparaiso Poetry Review, Inquiring Mind, Pulse Magazine, Poetry Nook, Lavender Review, The Mom Egg Review and in the British Aesthetica Magazine.

April 1, 2021 The Light Through The Leaves By Glendy Vanderah

TITLE: The Light Through The Leaves
AUTHOR: Glendy Vanderah
PUB DATE: April 01, 2021

SYNOPSIS:

Go on a powerful journey of forgiveness and healing with The Light Through the Leaves, a transcendent novel of love, loss, and self-discovery by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Where the Forest Meets the Stars.

One unbearable mistake at the edge of the forest.

In a moment of crisis, Ellis Abbey leaves her daughter, Viola, unattended―for just a few minutes. But when she returns, Viola is gone. A breaking point in an already fractured marriage, Viola’s abduction causes Ellis to disappear as well―into grief, guilt, and addiction. Convinced she can only do more harm to her family, Ellis leaves her husband and young sons, burying her desperate ache for her children deeper with every step into the mountain wildernesses she treks alone.

In a remote area of Washington, a young girl named Raven keeps secrets inside, too. She must never speak to outsiders about how her mother makes miracles spring from the earth, or about her father, whose mysterious presence sometimes frightens her. Raven spends her days learning how to use her rare gifts―and more important, how to hide them. With each lesson comes a warning of what dangers lie in the world beyond her isolated haven. But despite her mother’s cautions, Raven finds herself longing for something more.

As Ellis and Raven each confront their powerful longings, their journeys will converge in unexpected and hopeful ways, pulled together by the forces of nature, love, and family.

MY REVIEW:

My first book by Glendy Venderah is as shocking as it is beautifully told, a story about an unthinkable mistake, and the journey through forgiveness. Weaved within this tragedy are moments of magic as nature and extraordinary moments collide.

Ellis Abbey is completely distraught as she witnesses her husband with another woman. In this state of mind and while also managing her twin boys, she drives off leaving her infant in a car seat in the parking lot. She returns immediately but Viola is gone. Unable to locate Viola, Ellis dives deep into depression, and addiction while unable to forgive herself, she decides to leave her husband and sons. At the same time, inn a remote area of Washington, a child named Raven is raised in isolation and by a woman tied to earth spirits.

The story is told through Ellis and Raven’s point of views, and as a reader you wonder how their worlds will come together, and I just sat back and let Venderah’s impeccable writing pull me in the most hopeful and unexpected way.

A truly magical read I highly recommend.


AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

Glendy Vanderah worked as an endangered bird specialist in Illinois before she became a writer. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in rural Florida with as many birds, butterflies, and wildflowers as she can lure to her land. Where the Forest Meets the Stars is her debut novel. Visit Glendy online at http://glendyvanderah.com/

April 1, 2021 Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove By Kim Nash Hosted By @rararesources

 

Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove
An absolutely unputdownable feel good romantic comedy

When thirty-four-year-old Nellie Wagstaff loses her job and discovers her fiancé is a cheating scumbag in a single day, she feels like the world has come crashing down. And that’s before the solicitor’s letter, along with a request to visit a place she hasn’t thought about for a very long time.

Heartbroken, Nellie escapes to the beautiful seaside town of Muddleford in Dorset, where she discovers she’s inherited more than she ever bargained for. Nellie never knew why her mother stopped talking to her sister, but now childhood memories of Muddleford come flooding back: long hot summers, the sea glistening beyond the sandy cove... and a stolen kiss with a boy called Jack.

Jack, now a devilishly handsome vet, has the local pet owners swooning over him, and as Nellie and he become close once more, and she gets used to gossiping with the locals and sipping wine at her beach hut with sand between her toes, she’s sure she can feel sparks flying once more. But just as she thinks she might be able to open her heart again, her newest frenemy, the glamourous Natalia, tells her a secret about Jack that changes everything.

Nellie will never know why her mother and aunt parted ways. She’ll sell the house, forget about Jack, and get back to real life. Because there’s nothing for her in Muddleford... is there?

An utterly uplifting and completely hilarious summer read about learning to trust yourself and of finding love and friendship in the least expected places for fans of Jessica Redland, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin.

MY REVIEW:



Kim Nash's newest release, Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove is an absolutely fantastic read I needed. I looked forward to reading this over my spring break when I just wanted to get lost in a book that would transport me to a beautiful country location small town setting, fall in love with a handsome eligible bachelor, and get my happy ever after with all the feels and a good measure of humor. I got exactly that in this lovely read and even more.

I was rooting for Nellie Wagstaff right from the start when her life just could not have gotten any worse from her personal and professional life. Sometimes when it rains it pours, but also its after the rain do we see a rainbow. I was really engaged with her story, her character as well as her family and of course Jack the ever so handsome vet to swoon over. Just like life, nothing is at is seems and sometimes, life gets in the way and sometimes they go by the name Natalie - which was a great character - boy this woman was snarky and I loved it.

Overall I found this story heartwarming, relatable and perfect for an afternoon escape read that tugs at your heartstring and the feel good that is uniquely Kim Nash. I highly recommend this read.

 

Purchase Links

UK: https://amzn.to/2NXKaJ7
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VHNLRML

Author Bio –

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, feel-good, romantic fiction.

Her latest book, Sunshine and Second Chances, was shortlisted for the 2020 Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award.

She lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and English Setter Roni, is Head of Publicity for Bookouture and is a book blogger at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk.

Kim won the Romantic Novelists Association's Media Star of the Year in 2016, which she still can't quite believe. She is now quite delighted to be a member of the RNA.

When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog, reading, standing on the sidelines of a football pitch cheering on Ollie and binge watching box sets on the TV. She's also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Cannock, Staffs.

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone else and you will only contacted about Kim's books.
https://www.kimthebookworm.co.uk/

Amazing Grace was her debut novel with Hera Books and came out in April 2019.

Escape to Giddywell Grange is Kim's second novel and was published by Hera Books in September 2019.

Sunshine and Second Chances is Kim's third novel and was published in June 2020.



Moonlight over Muddleford Cove, Kim’s fourth novel is available to pre-order now and will be published on 30th March 2021.

You can read Kim's Blog here: www.kimthebookworm.co.uk



Social Media Links –

Twitter: (@KimTheBookworm) https://twitter.com/KimTheBookworm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimTheBookWorm/
Instagram: @Kim_the_bookworm

March 30th 2021 LIBERTIE by Kaitlyn Greenidge @algonquinbooks, @surlybassey

Publisher : Algonquin Books (March 30, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 336 pages
ISBN-10 : 1616207019

The critically acclaimed and Whiting Award–winning author of We Love You, Charlie Freeman returns with Libertie, an unforgettable story about one young Black girl’s attempt to find a place where she can be fully, and only, herself.

Coming of age as a freeborn Black girl in Reconstruction-era Brooklyn, Libertie Sampson is all too aware that her purposeful mother, a practicing physician, has a vision for their future together: Libertie is to go to medical school and practice alongside her. But Libertie, drawn more to music than science, feels stifled by her mother’s choices and is hungry for something else—is there really only one way to have an autonomous life? And she is constantly reminded that, unlike her mother, who can pass, Libertie has skin that is too dark. When a young man from Haiti proposes to Libertie and promises she will be his equal on the island, she accepts, only to discover that she is still subordinate to him and all men. As she tries to parse what freedom actually means for a Black woman, Libertie struggles with where she might find it—for herself and for generations to come.

Inspired by the life of one of the first Black female doctors in the United States and rich with historical detail, Kaitlyn Greenidge’s new and immersive novel will resonate with readers eager to understand our present through a deep, moving, and lyrical dive into our complicated past.

Named One of the Most-Anticipated Books of 2021 by:


O, The Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time, The Millions, Refinery29, Publishers Lunch, BuzzFeed, The Rumpus, BookPage, Harper's Bazaar, Ms., Goodreads, and more

The #1 Indie Next Pick for April!
A March LibraryReads Selection

“Pure brilliance. So much will be written about Libertie—how it blends history and magic into a new kind of telling, how it spins the past to draw deft circles around our present—but none of it will measure up to the singular joy of reading this book.”
—Mira Jacob, author of Good Talk

“This is one of the most thoughtful and amazingly beautiful books I’ve read all year. Kaitlyn Greenidge is a master storyteller.”
—Jacqueline Woodson, author of Red at the Bone



A Roxane Gay Audacious Book Club Selection (May)
A For Colored Girls Book Club Selection (April)
A Well-Read Black Girl Book Club Selection (May)

“Greenidge follows up her highly successful debut novel, We Love You, Charlie Freeman, with the heart-wrenching fictional story of the young daughter of one of the first female physicians in Reconstruction-era Brooklyn, a stunning look at what freedom really means.”
—Adrienne Gaffney, The New York Times

“With Libertie . . . Greenidge is making a stylistic leap with an intricately researched and lushly imagined coming-of-age story set in 19th-century Brooklyn and Jacmel, Haiti . . . Both epic and intimate.”
—Alexandra Alter, The New York Times

“From the first page, Greenidge catapults us into a masterfully crafted story in which the possibilities, limitations and shifting contours of freedom for Black people take center stage. Inspired by the true story of Susan Smith McKinney Steward, the first Black woman to become a doctor in the state of New York, and her daughter, Greenidge breathes powerful life into this lesser-known history. She conjures a fiercely gorgeous, complex portrait of life for Black women during the Reconstruction era. It is a story that’s at once politically weighted and intimately resonant . . . Greenidge perfectly weds the precision of historical details and context with fantastical elements of myth and magic to illuminate the enduring questions: What does freedom mean for Black girls and women? What does it look, smell, feel, sound and taste like? Libertie is a beautifully written meditation on Black liberation and imagination. It is exquisite historical fiction that lovingly reminds us to reassess our own present-day commitments to fighting for, and practicing, freedom.”
—Ms. magazine

“Spectacular . . . A revelatory and enchanting piece of historical fiction.”
—BuzzFeed

“Greenidge’s immersive story . . . heralds a blossoming literary career.”
—Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times



MY REVIEW:

One of the most enjoyable experience for me is reading about coming of age stories that follow a character from the time of youth to adulthood, and where the character arc is evident through a masterful storytelling. I thought Greenidge accomplished and captured the voice of Libertie beautifully.

Libertie is a story set in the Reconstruction era post American Civil War circa 1865 that is focused on Libertie Sampson, the daughter of the first practicing black female physician in Brooklyn. Since a child, Libertie has seen what her mother could accomplish as a physician in her community so much so believing that her mother can raise the dead after seeing a very sick man in a casket brought in to her home clinic. Of course her mother idealized for Libertie to follow suit in practicing alongside her by sending Libertie to college and hopefully medical school to see her daughter practice side by side with her. However, Libertie is drawn to music and matters of the heart rather than physical science. The book is beautifully told as one freeborn black woman whose skin is just a bit too dark navigates her freedom from girlhood to womanhood as complex themes of racial identity, slavery, womanhood and class is addressed in this fantastic work of fiction based on true life events. 

A truly mesmerizing book about all forms of freedom one wants to achieve in a beautiful story about the complexities of a mother and daughter relationship. I highly recommend this read.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:





Kaitlyn Greenidge's debut novel, We Love You, Charlie Freeman, was one of the New York Times Critics’ Top 10 Books of 2016 and a finalist for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize. She is a contributing writer for the New York Times, and her writing has also appeared in Vogue, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, and elsewhere. She is the recipient of fellowships from the Whiting Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Her second novel, Libertie, will be published by Algonquin Books on March 30, 2021. Greenidge lives in Brooklyn, New York.