Save the Date! 17th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest featuring Tracy Clark & more!

 

New Review : The Genesis Files : Gwen Richardson

4 out of 5 books

This story is the first I’ve read from Gwen. This read was well written and the storyline well thought out. Lloyd Palmer, a reporter for the Houston Ledger was dissatisfied with his mundane existence. The zeal he had when beginning his reporting career; waned due to the limits placed upon him by his bigot of a boss, Ed Jackson. Lloyd went from a non-existent lackadaisical reporter who was stuck in between the next black on black crime and something big. Lloyd worked faithfully in a job that he wasn’t fulfilled in until he was sent on a job where there was a kidnapping in the affluent part of the city.  Lloyd wanted more than to be a lowly reporter good enough to cover only what was happening with the blacks in the city.

Ed, the editor at the Houston Ledger was not only arrogant but prejudiced. He refused to entertain topics that could bring a positive light to what was happening and that it wasn’t only the doom and gloom of blacks killing blacks or blacks kidnapping white babies for ransom. He went to great lengths to keep his foot on Lloyd’s neck but unbeknownst to him he was opening a window of opportunity for Lloyd.

While interviewing tenants in the nearby apartment building who may have heard or seen what could have happened the morning that the baby was reported missing; Lloyd knocked on the door of a distinguished man named Hamisi. He was a secretive man from Africa. Lloyd was intrigued by the mysterious nature of the gentleman and secretly decided to do an expose’ on his life and his culture. In the meantime, he worked to try and find out more about the Pauley baby kidnapping only to uncover with additional digging a baby boy buried in a shallow makeshift grave.

Lloyd became a star of sorts and had gained the notoriety that any reporter would dream of. Mainly it meant that Lloyd didn’t have to curb his enthusiasm for journalizing, but opportunity awaited him. His voice was one that now mattered, and humbleness thrust him into the hearts of many. There was only one problem, Ed, his boss. Jealousy and slave mentality roared to the degree that Ed would work to scare Lloyd off, make him get back into his place. Things would go too far and even Ed wouldn’t be ready for the turn things took that he orchestrated. 

Reviewed by Lacha’ J.

Get your copy of Genesis Files today!

 

12 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway

 

Coming soon! 12 days of Christmas book giveaway returns on 12/13/24! The contest will be held in the Urban Reviews Facebook Group, and the Radiah Hubbert IG, Urban Reviews IG & Threads pages. You can donate one or more physical or e-books. The authors are responsible for mailing the books to the winners. 

If you’re an author and would like to participate, please contact me at 

info@urban-reviews.com.

Radiah Hubbert

New Review : The Reformatory :Tananarive Due

4 out of 5 books

It is June 1950 in Gracetown, Florida. Twelve-year-old Robbie Stephens, Jr., is sentenced to six months at the Gracetown School for Boys. Robbie kicked the son of a white landowner while defending his older sister Gloria. But the nightmares are just beginning when Robbie is sent to the school called The Reformatory. Robbie can see ghosts or haints. But this talent is exposing the real horrors and crimes that has happened to the former students who have gone missing. Gloria is still trying to come up with a plan to get Robbie away from The Reformatory before it’s too late.

Tananarive Due brings a classic horror novel with a good mix of the horrendous history of the real Dozier School for Boys with The Reformatory. This story makes you want to delve into more of the background of the school. Robbie is a character that you will root for throughout the story. There’s also Robbie’s friends that help him along way while in The Reformatory. Due paints such a vivid picture with this story that you feel like you are in Florida in 1950. The Reformatory is a moving,historical haunting tale by Tananarive Due that will delight old and new fans of horror.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

Get your copy of The Reformatory today!

 

SAVE THE DATE : 17th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest : June 21, 2025

New Review : The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster: Shauna Robinson

3.5 out of 5 books

Shauna Robinson’s “The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster” is a heartwarming and insightful novel that delves into family dynamics and personal identity. The story follows Mae, a bi-racial woman who has spent much of her life feeling disconnected from her father’s Black family while being more integrated with her maternal white relatives. As her wedding day looms, she is concerned because her father’s side of the family has not replied to her wedding invite. When she receives word that her paternal grandmother passed, she decided to attend the funeral and reconnect with that side of her family. As Mae seeks to reconnect with her estranged Black family in the South, she faces the chaos of a family barbecue that stirs both laughter and deep emotional reflections.

Robinson masterfully blends humor with emotional depth, presenting Mae’s journey with a mix of introspection and comedic inner monologues. The novel addresses complex themes of familial and racial histories, offering readers a thought-provoking and resonant experience. Mae’s quest to rebuild family ties and understand her place within her heritage is both inspiring and relatable. Robinson’s portrayal of family interactions and personal struggles brings the story to life, making “The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster” a compelling read for anyone interested in stories of family, identity, and growth.

Reviewed by Paula Allen

Get your copy of The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster today! 

 

New Review : Camp Lanier : Sylvester Barzey

4 out of 5 books

Taylor Johnson is a Black student at a predominately white private school. Vying to fit in with her friends at her school, she is caught up in a shoplifting incident with her wealthy White classmates. Taylor is left to take the blame and is sent to Camp Lanier as part of a community service program for at-risk youth.

Taylor’s summer at Camp Lanier quickly turns into a nightmare as she encounters strange hallucinations, hears mysterious crying at night, and learns about the camp’s dark past. Taylor’s determination to uncover the truth about Camp Lanier and this drives the story forward. Her interactions with other camp members, particularly Liam and Mia reveal the present-day horrors that are taking place at Camp Lanier. In a quest to save her life and her friends at the camp, Taylor had to give audience to the horrors of the campsite and learn from the ancestors of Oscarville, an all-black town buried under the waters of Lake Lanier.

Sylvester Barzey’s “Camp Lanier” is a gripping horror novel that delves into the eerie and unsettling urban legend of Lake Lanier in Georgia.  “Camp Lanier” is a must-read for fans of horror and supernatural fiction. The novel teases reader with a fictional glimpse into the racial history of the renowned Lake Lanier and entertains with a chilling tale of modern-day horror.

Reviewed by Paula Allen 

        Get your copy of Camp Lanier today! 

 

New Release : Bitter and Sweet: Rhonda McKnight

 

4 out of 5 books

Mariah Clark and Sabrina Holland haven't had the easiest sisterhood, what with all the family drama from their childhood. As adults, they barely communicate, both avoiding the other to maintain their peace of mind. Now, they've both got their own messes to sort out. But when their grandma calls them back to Georgetown to run the family restaurant because their grandpa's health is going downhill, they've got to get their act together. They need to save the restaurant and keep the family name shining. 

Their grandmother shared letters from their great-great-grandma Tabitha and encouraged Mariah and Sabrina to read them. Her old letters show the sisters that they're not the first in the family to deal with tough times or bad choices. Mariah's not the first to be let down by a guy, and Sabrina's not the first to make hard calls for her kid's sake. Tabitha’s persistent and determination in opening her own restaurant in the Jim Crow south is a testament to how important the restaurant, Tabby’s Meats and Sweets, is to their family heritage. While working together although reluctantly at first, the sisters are able to peel 

   back layers and restore their relationship. 

Rhonda McKnight's done it again with a book that hits you right in the feels. BITTER AND SWEET dives into some heavy stuff—postpartum blues, breakups, sorrow, unexpected pregnancy. It's a story that sticks with you and has characters that feel like old friends. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good multigenerational story of strong women and the importance of family.

Reviewed by Paula Allen

Get your copy of Bitter and Sweet today! 

New Review : Out of Office : A.H. Cunningham

 

3.5 out of 5 books

“Out of the Office” by A.H. Cunningham is an engaging Afro-Caribbean romance that follows Gabriella, a driven professional in a Miami hotel chain, and Adrián, who values a balanced life when it comes to his career. Gabriella has developed her work ethic from her mother who never seems to be pleased no matter how much effort Gabriella puts forth.

When Gabriella and Adrian meet, the chemistry between the two is instant. Gabriella learns to relax and live in the moment in her relationship with Adrian. Cunningham’s vivid writing brings the settings and emotions to life, exploring themes of love, fulfillment, and self-care. I love the romance, island culture, and character development. Perfect summer read.

Reviewed by Paula Allen 

Get your copy of Out of Office today! 

 

 

 

 

New Review : The Art of Scandal : Regina Black

 

3.5 out of 5 books

“The Art of Scandal” by Regina Black follows Rachel Abbott, the spouse of an up-and-coming politician, who uncovers her husband’s infidelity on his fortieth birthday. Rachel agrees to keep up the appearance of a perfect marriage until her husband’s reelection campaign concludes, in return for financial stability. However, her life takes an unexpected twist when she meets Nathan Vasquez, a young artist who rekindles her passion for art and life.

Their immediate and intense connection forces Rachel to reflect on what she truly desires. The story alternates between Rachel and Nathan’s point of view which I loved because you are privy to both of their emotions. This adds depth to the story. Rachel feels free to follow her true desires, even at the risk of scandal.

“The Art of Scandal” speaks of love, ambition, and self-realization. It’s a must-read for contemporary romance lovers who like a little drama and messiness as I do.

Reviewed by Paula Allen

Get your copy of The Art of Scandal today! 

 

 

 

The Forthcoming: Firstborn Girls: A Memoir : Bernice L. McFadden

On her second birthday in 1967, Bernice McFadden died in a car crash near Detroit, only to be resuscitated after her mother pulled her from the flaming wreckage. Firstborn Girls traces her remarkable life from that moment up to the publication of her first novel, Sugar.

Growing up in 1980s Brooklyn, Bernice finds solace in books, summer trips to Barbados, and boarding school to escape her alcoholic father. Discovering the works of Alice Walker and Toni Morrison, she finally sees herself and her loved ones reflected in their stories of “messy, beautiful, joyful Black people.”

Interwoven with Bernice's personal journey is her family's history, beginning with her four-times enslaved great-grandmother Louisa Vicey Wilson in 1822 Hancock County, Georgia. Her descendants survived Reconstruction and Jim Crow, joined the Great Migration, and mourned Dr. King’s assassination during the Civil Rights Movement. These women's wisdom, secrets, and fierce love are passed down like Louisa's handmade quilt.

A memoir of many threads, Firstborn Girls is an extraordinarily moving portrait of a life shaped by family, history, and the drive to be something more.

Pre-order your copy of Firstborn Girls today!