Thank you for this ARC! I really enjoyed Sadeqa Johnson's book The Yellow Wife so I was very excited to read her latest book. This story was hard to read at times and it did have some content warnings for miscarriage and infertility, sexual abuse and racism. It is the story of two women whose lives are forever entwined. Both stories are equally engaging and I cared deeply for these characters. I did think it was slow to start, but once you get going, I couldn't put it down.

I really enjoyed The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson! Despite it covering very heavy subject matter I found it to be a quick read and easily fell into the world Johnson painted.

I do recommend checking the trigger warnings on this book as it does heavily deal with miscarriage, stillbirth, and infertility. The topics are handled in a compassionate yet realistic and heart wrenching manner and I think that is a testament to Johnson’s writing.

This book gave me so many things I want from historical fiction: I learned something new, was able to see the world through another person’s eyes, and connected with the characters. I especially loved Ruby and her storyline.

The only reason the book is not a five star read for me is because I wanted more resolution for the characters I’d come to be so attached to. To me, the ending felt rushed and a little too neatly settled for a book that covered such heavy and heartbreaking topics. Both Ruby and Eleanor experience real grief, pain, and loss - and the ending felt a little too neat and tidy.

But, this is a minor critique from me. Overall, I loved the book and would happily recommend it to others.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of The House of Eve. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars! I can see why so many people have loved House of Eve. I really loved the writing in the first part of the book especially. The second half was more difficult context, but I thought it was a moving story of love and loss, family and marriage.

When reading about these two young ladies, it gives perspective on the times, and how we didn’t have rights to our own bodies and how we would be able to handle things because it seems like other people always was one step ahead. I loved reading the stories of Eleanor and Ruby, I want more of their lives and how this is going to affect them and how this is going to play out in the future Sadeqa Johnson is an amazing writer, and is able to always captivate stories to make these characters come alive, and rent a vintage little space in my head.

I loved this book! I am so glad that Reese Witherspoon picked it for her book club-I am not sure that I would have heard about it otherwise. The book tells the stories of two young black women, and pregnancy, wanted or not, is a theme that runs throughout the book. I learned a lot, as well as enjoying the reading, and I look forward to recommending this book to our library patrons.

Genre: Historical Fiction/Multiculturalism
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pub. Date: February 7, 2023

Mini-Review

Will someone please tell me when historical fiction became melodramatic women’s fiction/romance? Because this novel is all romance, a genre I have never cared for. Stereotypical characters. As for multiculturalism, well nothing new regarding racial biases. In the future, I will need to look more closely before reading what is marketed as historical fiction.

The House of Eve
By Sadeqa Johnson
Pub date: Feb 7, 2023
Simon and Schuster
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Where the book worked for me: pacing! The writing provided all the necessary details without slowing me down I loved the author’s choice of ending for Ruby. The story is divided in multiple sections each dealing with a specific phase or event in the girls lives, Don’t miss the author’s note at the end it has a great tone of authenticity.
I haven’t read the author’s most popular book”Yellow Wife” but I thought this book would make more of an impact on me. I would recommend this book to historical fiction lovers with a dab of romance.
4 stars

Such a fantastic book, I couldn't put it down and now I can't stop crying.

Lyrical writing brings the reader into the tale of two black women in the 1050's from different sides of the track. The characters are beautifully developed and the reader is almost immediately vested in both of them. The story takes an inside look at the sacrifices of almost all women and mixed pains and joys of motherhood.

Highly recommend this wonderful title and grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC which I read in one day, in exchange for my review.

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A wonderful historical fiction can’t put down book.The book is about 2 ladies from different cities and tough decisions that they are faced with making,.The book is set in the 1950’s in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. The book explains what it means to be a woman and a mother. Ruby and Eleanor both make decisions that will shape the rest of their lives.

I read Yellow Wife by Johnson earlier this month and knew that I would need to pick up The House of Eve right away. I was so interested in the synopsis. Two Black young women whose lives are turned upside down by falling in love.

Structure wise- I love this set up. This has a dual storyline but both are happening in the early 1950s. We see the same struggles of racism and colorism throughout both stories and really can connect with each narrator. Sometimes with dual storylines, one story can dominate the other but not with this book- I was truly invested in both Eleanor and Ruby's stories.

I really loved this book. It is hard on the heart, but this is a must read.

Sadequa Johnson is a masterful storyteller! Even as I'm writing this review for The House Of Eve, I am still thinking about Yellow Wife nearly two years after first reading it.

I knew about the abusive Irish Catholic 'mother baby' homes throughout Ireland, which originated in England, and spread throughout Europe, but I had no idea similar charities operated similar homes in the US until reading The House Of Eve. And this is why I love historical fiction. Because I learn about things not always covered in history books or classes.

I was on the edge of my seat until the end. Along with Yellow Wife, I will be thinking of The House Of Eve for a long time to come.

Beautiful and relevant, The House of Eve explores the cost of choices. College students Eleanor and Ruby are striving for a better future. Much like today, they have to decide between their desire, safety, education or being mothers and much more.

I ached for the characters in this thoroughly researched novel about courage and choices which nobody should ever have to make.

Been a fan of this author since The Yellow Wife. It was just superb. The way these two women's lives took different paths.. I just... Sadeqa is a master of historical fiction

I don't often give 5 stars, but I am doing so for this book. Strong women who need to make difficult choices... Ruby and Eleanor could be you, a sister, a friend, or an unknown woman walking by you on the street. We have all heard of the homes girls/women went to when they became pregnant, but this book tells the story from the views of women of color. Color matters in this story.... A book stands out to me when I feel as if I know the characters personally, I learn something new, and the ending stays with me. Read this book.

I loved the little Easter egg at the end from the yellow wife. That had to be one of my fav things about the book. This was so powerful and it really blew me away. It was original even though it touched on racism, unwed mothers, and hate.

This is the most stunning historical fiction I have read in a long time.

A story told two ways, Ruby is a bright teen in Philly who finds herself “knocked up.”

Elenor is the wife of an old money doctor and student at Howard.

Their paths cross because of one to the atrocities of the Catholic Church…. Magdalene House. A place where “wayward” girls go, have their babies, and move on with their lives. All while being emotionally and physically assaulted and the choice of keeping their babies taken from them.

The character development was truly remarkable. The tumult of emotion equally compelling.

Thank you for telling these women’s stories…for speaking up for Eve. ❤️

What a compelling story. The House of Eve follows two black women in 1950’s Philadelphia and how their lives will be forever changed with the birth of a baby.

This novel tackles some heavy topics but does it with care. The writing is beautiful and I was drawn into the lives of these women as we explored the nuances of womanhood and motherhood. How a story can take you through loss, discrimination, and prejudice but still leave you with love, hope, and courage is definitely the sign of a great author.

Read the book and then stay for the author's note at the end. We learn Johnson's personal story and how she has a direct link to the story she is telling. Would I recommend? Absolutely! And a big thank you to @rachellelovesbooks for a great buddy read!

Thank you @netgalley and @simonandschuster for this #gifted copy.

I found the stories of both Ruby Pearsall and Eleanor Quarles, two women with different circumstances but many of the same problems (mainly other women), intriguing and engrossing. From the very start, I was drawn into their stories, told in alternating chapters. Their stories are set in the 1950s and 1960s and the added details about life in that time period are well researched and captivating. While there were some flaws, I enjoyed getting to know both the women and their families. The writing was easy to read, flowed well, and much lighter than I would expect for a serious topic but made it that much more relatable.

Absolutely loved The House of Eve. I finished this book in one day. The twist at the end was delightful!

I am not a huge historical fiction reader, so I had to keep an open mind with this one. This was an interesting story of two young black teenagers as they navigate their ways into womanhood which touches on love, family dynamics, fertility, and the associated stigmas with different aspects of all of the foregoing. This book kept my interest and had different moments that made me think how I would react to certain situations. I was dying to see how the stories of these two protagonists would be related and it does come together at the end, although I think I was expecting a bit more drama. Nonetheless, this was an informative and interesting read that explored a lot of heavy topics while not being too overbearing. 3.75 stars ⭐️ rounded up to 4 stars ⭐️ . Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.