I was looking forward to this but the writing was SO dry. I might have to go read a biography of Ida B. Wells instead.

I hate to say I was not taught about Ida B. Wells and reading this book sent me into a deep dive. The fact the author researched Ida Wells so much brought her story to life (even with the fiction thrown in). This is what I need more of. I loved this book and can’t wait to learn more about such a remarkable woman.

I was really excited about this one because Ida B. Wells is one of my favorite historical figures! Sadly, I don't think I was the right reader for this book. I think it's very tricky to write fiction about a real person, and for me this one felt like it was jumping back and forth between reading like non-fiction and reading like fiction.

I was also quite surprised that this was marketed as a YA novel, as it follows Ida through her twenties--I believe she was, or was close to, age 30 by the end. I can't help but wonder if this was not originally intended to be for a teen audience, and was perhaps just pushed into that category for marketing purposes. As a teen services librarian, I'm not quite sure who I envision checking this one out.

Ultimately, not a bad book by any means! I'm just not the right reader for it, and that's okay. I hope that someone out there will read & love this book!

Thank you to NetGalley + Little Brown Books for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this title. I really enjoyed getting to read a historical fiction account of Ida B. Wells-Barnett's life. I am definitely curious to read/research more about which parts of the book are fictitious and which are fact. I did not know exactly what to expect when I read this novel and it did travel across a large swath of her life. There were some points where I felt like I was missing the story, but as I started to read each chapter as its own, quasi-unique vignette that helped. I then read it as a unique story about some part of Wells' life rather than a continuous story. This is not to say that nothing is connected in the book, it is. However, it is not like a typical story might be where you see the entire throughline. I do think this is more because of the span of time the book covers.

This was the perfect execution of fiction and fact in a book! I adored the amount of research that went into this story, including how in-depth this story goes into Ida. This was a slow-paced book, but one that was very well-developed!

Often we think of Historical figures as people who have always been that figure, and not often of the life they had before they became that Historical figure. That was what I loved about this book the most, How she might have lived her life before she became known as The Ida B Wells. This was such an entertaining and learning experience in this book. It kept me captivated and drawn in from the beginning to end. And the author did such a great job with this book. I enjoyed it very much and can't wait for the next book from this author.

Unfortunately this book wasn't for me. I felt it was too slow paced sometimes and I couldn't really connect with the characters. I'm sure people out there will love it, but I felt it missed something.

Ida in Love and in Trouble is close study of an American hero and trailblazer for equality. While
many students will study the accomplishments of Ida B. Wells in American history classes, few know her background, family responsibilities, or her personal hopes and private dreams. In this historical novel, readers see the personal side of the public hero, as well as her close interactions with other civil rights leaders fighting against lynching and the intimidating practices in place following the Civil War. Through a detailed and descriptive narrative, Veronica Chambers brings a historical leader to life. And humanizes the figure responsible for a courageous and effective stand against injustice.

So much of the title was spent on Ida's love interests and her doo dads - surely she did other things besides moan and swoon. Sheesh. The later half (from Tommy's death on) showed a more well-rounded aspect of Ida, not just love interests.

This is something of a blend of historical fiction and a biography that brings Ida B. Wells to life. While the figure many of us know is the fierce anti-lynching activist and pioneering journalist, Chambers offers us a glimpse into a different side of her—a young woman who longs for love and grows into greatness. It's fascinating to see her not just as an icon of justice, but as a person with dreams, struggles, and a heart filled with hope.

This book is a treasure for anyone interested in history, particularly those curious about the lesser-known facets of figures like Wells. Chambers' research shines through, lending an authenticity that makes the story feel like a window into the past. Incorporating letters and newspaper clippings adds a unique layer, making her world feel alive and tangible.

This isn't a fast-paced read. The slow, intentional pace allows us to savor every detail. Due to the historical aspect of this, however, the change in scenes might make the story feel a little disjointed as we skip ahead. This is the story of an entire time, so we skip ahead frequently and it doesn't really have a normal story arc.

This is a book to be savored slowly, with its rich details and heartfelt moments. The letters really make this a hidden gem.

Thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours and the publisher for the complimentary copy. This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.

It’s been well over two decades since I learned about Ida B. Wells.
Reading this imaginative and well documented memoir about this courageous woman was such a pleasure.

Through diary entries, letters, research, and interviews, Veronica Chambers gives us a thorough yet deeply personal look at a historical icon.
Through many ups and downs over the years, you’ll learn about every facet of Ida’s life that influenced her every move and thought.

Definitely one of my favorite memoirs ever!

𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: AVAILABLE NOW
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣.

Veronica Chambers’ Ida, in Love and in Trouble offers a compelling and richly detailed exploration of the early life of Ida B. Wells, long before she became a pioneering journalist. Chambers skillfully intertwines historical accuracy with vivid storytelling to bring to life the youthful ambitions and personal struggles of this remarkable woman. The novel paints a vibrant picture of the post-Civil War South, showcasing Ida’s journey from a witty, ambitious young woman to a fierce advocate for racial and gender equality. Chambers excels in capturing the social dynamics of the era, from lavish society dances to the challenges Ida faces in a world that often marginalizes women who speak their minds.

While the novel is deeply engaging and educational, it occasionally leans heavily into romantic subplots, which can sometimes overshadow the broader historical context. Nevertheless, Chambers’ writing is both evocative and enlightening, offering readers a heartfelt portrayal of Ida B. Wells’ formative years. Ida, in Love and in Trouble is a thought-provoking read that celebrates a trailblazing figure and provides an insightful look into her early life, earning it a well-deserved four stars.

Ida in Love and in Trouble
Veronica Chambers

So I was supposed to be doing top 5 reasons to read this one.. but I really felt like I needed to review it.

So, one of the reasons why I love historical fiction so much is because I typically learn something I didn’t know. This was a fiction but it was based on Ida B. Wells-Barnett life. Ida was a civil and woman’s rights activist. She was one determined, smart and influential woman.

There had to be a lot of research and information that went into writing this book. The way Veronica Chambers brought Ida to life was incredible. I cannot imagine being a woman living in those times much less a black woman. Ida she over came all the struggles! She raised her siblings, she was a writer and I loved all the letters sprinkled though out.

I highly recommend you read the authors note and the Notable Figures. So much information and I just ate it up. I set me on my own journey to learn more.

This one honestly reads like a nonfiction or a biography(ish). It was a slow read, which I expected and enjoyed. I highly recommend this one. It needs to be in every school library. I’m adding it to my homeschool curriculum for my daughter who is a junior.

Ida is an influential figure in the Civil Rights Movement. She used her pen to fight for everyone's rights, and this is her story.

Ida B. Wells was an incomparable flirt with a quick wit and a dream of becoming a renowned writer. She had big ambitions but faced many challenges as a woman in her society. Ahead of her time by decades, she pioneered investigative journalism, becoming synonymous with courage and an unflinching demand for racial and gender equality. Acclaimed writer Veronica Chamber unravels Ida's colorful life as she comes of age in the rapidly changing South, filled with societal events and a world ready for change.

The novel brings to life the journey of Ida B. Wells as she navigates through societal prejudices and aspirations, emerging as a courageous civil rights crusader ahead of her time.
This book takes place in 1885 America, in Memphis, Tennessee. It gave me insight into what life was like for people in her shoes, and it also interweaved the feelings of love, which gave it an emotional depth.
Chambers beautifully portrays Wells as a multifaceted individual with dreams, ambitions, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
The book vividly portrays the post-Civil War era, showcasing the pulsating hope and the challenges faced by the African American community. From society parties to the pressing issues of racial and gender equality, Chambers intricately weaves a tapestry of historical accuracy and heartfelt storytelling. What truly sets this novel apart is its portrayal of Ida B. Wells as not just a trailblazer but as a complex, vibrant woman with dreams and aspirations.

Overall, this sweeping historical novel is a compelling and thought-provoking read that sheds light on an extraordinary woman and her unwavering commitment to challenging societal norms. The author's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly for those who are passionate about narratives of courage, resilience, and social change.

Thank you, @tbrbeyondtours & @littlebrownyoungreaders, for sending me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As a figure I learned about as a child during every Black History Month, this was a fun way to learn about a historical figure. The amount of research that went into telling this story was terrific. Although this is fiction, Chambers does a fantastic job of bringing a historical figure (who is absolutely fascinating and brave) to life. Some parts were hard to read, not because of the writing but because of the content. So, do pay heed to the content warnings. I wouldn’t call this book action-packed; however, Ida is a very well-developed character. There are moments when the story is a bit slow, but it’s necessary. It would be nice to find this in public libraries for everyone to read. (Support your local library!)

𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 &| 𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
4 🌟
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The cover art and the premise are what caught my attention. "For fans of Bridgerton and The Davenports comes a sweeping historical novel about courageous (and flirtatious) Ida B. Wells, as she navigates society, parties, and society prejudices to become a civil rights crusader." BUT the storyline also held my attention. I can see the Bridgerton vibes, but it leans more toward the Davenports vibes to me. I enjoyed the letter entries a lot. I did sometimes feel like it dragged a little and could have been a little shorter.
The narrator did a good job. She was easy to listen to and brought the story alive.
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 Sept.10
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Thank you, Netgalley, Little Brown Books for the eBook, and Hachette Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I'm upset that I didn't like this as much as I wanted to, as it was highly anticipated for me. There was just something about it that just didn't click for me while reading.