tnbutler15's review
4.0
I loved the nods to U Street and Howard in 1940s DC. Eva was ahead of her time; wish we could’ve seen more of her story. The romance was slow to build and Courtland was a bit of a white savior, so the ending was disappointing.
kerickertful's review against another edition
2.0
This book pulled me out of the narrative so often. I constantly found myself wondering “Would this really have been said at the time?” and there were inconsistencies/errors with Courtland’s war experience that just made me not trust the narrator from the jump. I also thought it was a bit lazy to have Courtland die while Eva was pregnant with his child. I didn’t buy their romance and I wanted more from this.
babyv's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book was a really promising story of an interracial couple living in Washington D.C.; a successful black woman who is involved in the civil rights movement and a white, southern senator. While I think the book did a really good job of being realistic about the challenges of an interracial relationship during the time period, the story kind of went off the rails at the end. The end was giving thriller with its shocking plot twists, which was not what I expected and I think it did the overall story a disservice.
megs2kool's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
gina5057's review
5.0
I love books with a sad ending. Was not expecting that to happen. Neatly written book.
transportedlfl's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Thank you to TLC Book Tours for the complimentary book. These opinions are my own.
I have been looking for historical fiction that tells a different story from what we so commonly see. And this met that need admirably. I'll be looking for more from Angela Jackson-Brown.
This book is slightly more recent, set in 1947 Washington, DC. It has a political focus with one main character being a white senator, Courtland. Eva, a local Black restauranteur, neets Courtland through her work for civil rights. But they are both aware of all the reasons that make it hard for them to pursue a relationship. This book raised so many questions that still resonate today.
I encourage you to add this to your To Be Read list.
I have been looking for historical fiction that tells a different story from what we so commonly see. And this met that need admirably. I'll be looking for more from Angela Jackson-Brown.
This book is slightly more recent, set in 1947 Washington, DC. It has a political focus with one main character being a white senator, Courtland. Eva, a local Black restauranteur, neets Courtland through her work for civil rights. But they are both aware of all the reasons that make it hard for them to pursue a relationship. This book raised so many questions that still resonate today.
I encourage you to add this to your To Be Read list.
amdawson's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Set in the late 1940s, this book centers around a young, black, entrepreneurial woman who owns a popular restaurant and is active in the civil rights movement. Life gets complicated when she falls for a white senator from Georgia. The story draws on the beauty and complexity of family, the struggle for equal rights, and even touches on the protagonist’s desire for something other than the traditional wife/mother role.
rachelramsey's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
bookmeagoodread's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
shannanh's review
5.0
This is not the first book I've read from this author, and It truly won't be my last Ms. brown has written such an emotional and educational historical read that I did not want to end. There is also a lot of education in regards to the African american french creole community and how it might have been to be raised in New Orleans, LA. Between that, and the forbidden love between Eva and Courtland (who is a white southerner born and raised now working in congress in the late 1940's) wanted more. I really felt like I was transported back in time. I was hoping for the ending to go a different way, but nether the less, I enjoyed this book so very much. Phenomenal job
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.