BOOK REVIEW: BLACK CAKE by CHARMAINE WILKERSON

Synopsis

We can’t choose what we inherit. But can we choose who we become?

In present-day California, Eleanor Bennett’s death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children, Byron and Benny: a black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording. In her message, Eleanor shares a tumultuous story about a headstrong young swimmer who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder. The heartbreaking tale Eleanor unfolds, the secrets she still holds back, and the mystery of a long-lost child challenge everything the siblings thought they knew about their lineage and themselves.

Can Byron and Benny reclaim their once-close relationship, piece together Eleanor’s true history, and fulfill her final request to “share the black cake when the time is right”? Will their mother’s revelations bring them back together or leave them feeling more lost than ever?

Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel is a story of how the inheritance of betrayals, secrets, memories, and even names can shape relationships and history. Deeply evocative and beautifully written, Black Cake is an extraordinary journey through the life of a family changed forever by the choices of its matriarch.

My Thoughts

This book has been on my radar for a while and this is why I decided for the month of June (Read Caribbean Month) it would be one of my book club picks. Where should I start with this review? This book exceeded my expectations because I went into it blindly, not really delving into what it was about. I also found the title 'Black Cake' interesting, because for Caribbean people and especially in my family black cake is something we have for Christmas, and yes we soak fruits in rum for months before to get the right texture, so a book about black cake?

Anyway this story was so rich, it spoke to black cake as a symbol of a life lived and a past beginning in the Caribbean, then the UK and a future in California. The black cake represents a mother Mathilda who one day leaves an island seeking a better life in a foreign land leaving behind Covey her daughter with her father Lin (who addicted to drink and gambling, loses his daughter). I love how the author tells Covey's story through a recording upon her death where her two children Benny and Byron (who are both struggling in different ways).

Covey's story was so full of surprises, some of which I admit made me sad and reflective at times because while reading, I asked myself if indeed people keep secrets to the extent that they go to their graves with them. I liked this book a lot because it was so very well executed. Charmaine Wilkerson is an author to watch.

 

BLOG TOUR: YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE by MAXINE MORREY

 

You Only Live Once

When Lily’s husband dies, she moves to the edge of a tiny village, settling into a solitary life, her only real company her brother and his family. A quiet life becomes her safe space, with no risk of getting hurt.

When her brother offers her spare room to his oldest friend, Jack, Lily’s reluctant – but knowing how much she owes her family, can’t say no.

A lodger takes some getting used to but to her surprise, Lily begins to enjoy Jack’s company. Slowly but surely, Jack encourages Lily to step outside her comfort zone.

But taking risks means facing the consequences, and telling people how she really feels, means Lily might have to face losing them. But as the saying goes - you only live once - and being brave could mean Lily gets a second chance at love…

My Thoughts

The title of this book is what drew me to want to participate in this blog tour and of course read this book. After reading it though I would say it exceeded my expectations. Lily's story is one about starting over. As a wife of twelve years, I never stopped to think about what could possibly happen if my significant other is no longer there. In some ways Lily reminded me of myself. 

I fell in love with Jack immediately. His rugged , aristocratic charm really drew me more into the story. What was significant too was Clive. I am a dog lover and I never really stopped to think about how a pet can be a genuine companion. That aspect of the book was a nice touch indeed. 

This is my first time reading a book from this author and I must tell you that I would be looking to read more of her work in the future. I recommend this book for those who just want to read a good story. It was romantic, meaningful, lovely and most importantly well written. 

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO PURCHASE 

 PURCHASE LINK

Author Bio –

Maxine Morrey is a bestselling romantic comedy author with twelve books to her name including #NoFilter and Things Are Looking Up. She lives in Dorset.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MaxineMorreyAuthor

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/Scribbler_Maxi/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MaxineMorreyNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maxine-morrey

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BOOK REVIEW: THE BREAD THE DEVIL KNEAD BY LISA ALLEN AGOSTINI

 

Synopsis

Alethea Lopez is about to turn 40. Fashionable, feisty and fiercely independent, she manages a boutique in Port of Spain, but behind closed doors she’s covering up bruises from her abusive partner and seeking solace in an affair with her boss. When she witnesses a woman murdered by a jealous lover, the reality of her own future comes a little too close to home.

Bringing us her truth in an arresting, unsparing Trinidadian voice, Alethea unravels memories repressed since childhood and begins to understand the person she has become.

Her next step is to decide the woman she wants to be.

This is an engrossing and atmospheric novel with a strong feminist message at the heart of its page-turning plot. It explores an abusive love-affair with searing honesty, and skilfully tackles the issue of gender violence and racism against the lush and heady backdrop of the national festival, and the music that feeds it. It’s impossible not to root for Alethea – she is an unforgettable heroine, trapped in ways she is only just beginning to understand but shining with strength, resolve and, ultimately, self-determination.

My Thoughts 

This book was hands down one of my favorite Trinidadian books of all time. Was the subject matter difficult to read at times? YES. But this was so well written in perfect Trinidadian prose that the words just leapt off the page for me. 

Domestic violence is one of the number one causes of violent deaths in Trinidad and Tobago. Many women in this country and worldwide suffer in silence. Alethea and Leo's relationship captivated me in so many ways. I know a lot of girls like Allie, whose childhood trauma affected their entire lives so much that they feel undeserving of love, and underserving of friendship. I felt compassion also for Leo, because his hurt came from I think not feeling in control of his life and by having control over Allie, I think was his own coping mechanism.

This book spoke also to the power of friendship. I loved Tamika's character and the timing of her entry into Allie's life as a friend. Sometimes in these situations as women we feel that we do not need to have friends but boy do we need genuine people in our lives to help us through difficult times.

What was also gripping for me was how the writer chronicled the events from the past. It really had me the reader trying to read fast to find out the cause of Allie's trauma and why she was searching for love in all the wrong places. Case in point Mr. Sharma.

Colin, the blast from the past. His entry into the story was EPIC. Clearly you can see that I loved everything about this. 

THIS WAS ONE OF MY BOOK CLUB PICKS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE IN CELEBRATION OF READ CARIBBEAN MONTH.

CLICK ON THE LINK ON THE SIDEBAR TO JOIN MY GOODREADS BOOKCLUB: BETWEEN THE PAGES 

BLOG TOUR: IT'S A WIDOW THING BY KAREN BOOTH @rararesources

 

It’s a Widow Thing

He’s on the fast-track to serious, and she’s hitting the brakes.

When cosmetics entrepreneur Sabrina Kelly waited until she was thirty-eight to marry, she never thought she’d be widowed by forty. Now, two years later, she’s ready for a dip in the dating pool. And Michael, the merciless flirt who lives down the hall, seems like a fun way to get wet. He has “player” written all over him, but Sabrina’s not looking for a love connection. Her heart can’t take more than a fling.

Wall Street mogul Michael Wright has ignored his mom’s pressure to marry for years. But it’s not until he has a health scare that he finally takes stock of his life. If he’s going to settle down, only one woman comes to mind… his gorgeous, whip-smart neighbor, Sabrina. Their chemistry is off the charts. The banter? So. Hot. But while he’s working overtime to woo her, she’s holding back. Can two people running at different speeds get to happily-ever-after together?

MY THOUGHTS 

This book was a story about starting over and it was written in such a fun way so it didn't seem as sad as it could have been and I really appreciate that. Sabrina Kelly  became a widow after only a short two years of marriage. In an attempt to cope with her loss she joins a support group of widows who helps her to get her life back on track. 

What a better way to overcome the loss of a husband than by moving on?? Right?? Well in walks Micheal Wright, her handsome neighbour and elevator companion who, having never had a serious relationship plans to finally settle down. Sabrina is a good catch isn't she?? Can Micheal deal with her past?? And could she deal with Micheal's situation??? (You have to read this book to find out)

As a wife of twelve years myself, I saw myself in Sabrina. I cannot imagine how I would be able to move on with this kind of loss. I loved how willing she was able to get support from her group. Many persons who experience this type of loss tend to go through the motions alone. I liked very much that the author through this story, stressed the importance of getting support to deal with grief. I especially liked what happened coming close to the end. Very impacting.

Micheal and Sabrina had such a beautiful connection, the romance was enough to make you swoon. I loved those parts the most. Overall this was a great romantic story, with a message. Well Done!!!

Purchase Links

AMAZON UK / AMAZON US

Author Bio – Karen Booth is a midwestern girl transplanted in the South, raised on '80s music and repeated readings of "Forever" by Judy Blume. Karen writes contemporary romance and women's fiction, almost always about the dreamy guy you never thought you'd get. Her stories are full of breathless kisses, tearjerker moments, family dynamics, and more than a few things she's glad her grandmother never read.

Social Media Links –

Author website: https://karenbooth.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenboothauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenbbooth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenbbooth/

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5781524.Karen_Booth

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BOOK REVIEW: MY FISHY STEPMOM BY SHAKIRAH BOURNE

About 

Josephine Cadogan loooves cricket! The game, her dad and her best friend Ahkai are the only things that make living in the very, very, veeery boring village of Fairy Vale, Barbados manageable. She really wants to play for the school team, but Coach Broomes says only boys are allowed. Josephine knows she can play better than any of the boys in the team, if she could just get a chance. To make matters worse, her father has a new girlfriend. And no one is good enough for Josephine’s dad. Not since her mom died. But Josephine is very good at keeping women away by setting booby traps to scare them off.

No one ever survived her tricks - until Mariss came along.

No matter what anyone else says, Josephine knows there is something ‘fishy’ about Mariss. She is just too perfect. And maybe it’s all the stories about baccoos and douens, and other mythical creatures from Miss Mo, champion fish de-boner of Fairy Vale, or maybe it’s all the missing pets, but Josephine begins to suspect there is something downright spooky about Mariss. But will she be able to get to the bottom of the mystery?

My Thoughts 

My fishy stepmom was a wonderful book and a great start to Read Caribbean Month. Set on the island of Barbados, the story follows cricket lover 11 year old Josephine Cadogan, who along with her best friend Akhai and what I call their many "Operations" (You have to read the book to understand what this means.

What I liked about this novel is that while it was hilarious and quite a light read it dealt with a serious topic in a very clever way and that is the loss of a parent.

Josephine had lost her mother, and she was intent on not allowing another woman to take her place. I think this was a nice theme for a children or a book for younger readers because it is a topic not often considered. As a teacher myself, I have had many students who would have lost parents and it was indeed difficult so Josephine's character to me was very relatable in that way.

Oh gosh!! The Fishy Stepmom Mariss, what a character. And as a lover of West Indian Foklore myself I loved how that element of mystery and fantasy was woven into her character. The ending as well was very nice.

All in all I liked this book and would recommend it.