I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Expected publication date is December 3, 2024.
Reading “Untethered” by Angela Jackson-Brown is akin to gaining access to the entries in a personal diary. That’s the place where we open our heart and our mind to capture uncensored thoughts and feelings. It’s as honest a view of an individual as can be expected.
The first-person narrative in Jackson-Brown’s work of historical fiction takes us into the life of Katia Daniels. It’s Troy, Alabama in 1967. Katia is the executive director at the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys. She pours her heart into nurturing those young lives, harboring a longing for children of her own; a recent hysterectomy leaving her unable to do so.
Katia also bears the weight of family responsibilities. She lost her father to cancer and has assumed the role of caretaker for her mother, with whom she lives, and her twin younger brothers – one of whom is missing in action in Vietnam, the other just recently returned but a shell of his former self. In many respects, Katia is tethered to the lives she has poured her heart into.
Then Seth Taylor reenters her life. Katia tutored Seth in high school. She had a huge crush on him, but thought the popular star of the football team was out of her league. Now, a wounded veteran who has started his own local business, his presence brings a reminder of a time when her life was less tethered.
Throughout this character-driven story, Katia wrestles with the push-pull of emotions, torn between her heart, and the responsibilities she feels to family and the boys at the group home. Those emotions lead to decisions that have a profound impact on her life and the lives of those she cares for.
The narrative is well written and reflects a strong sense of character development. It’s easy to understand and relate to Katia, because who among us hasn’t been there. That makes rooting for her a no-brainer. And as the pages unfold, we hope that she takes to heart her brother’s words, “You’re vulnerable, and you can’t save everybody.”
But that doesn’t mean she stops trying.
“Untethered” is a solid read that provides insight into a person’s heart, set against the challenges of a changing time in the South. The dialogue comes across a little forced or awkward in some places, but overall holds together well.
Four out of five stars for “Untethered.”
And check out all of my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) blog site.

In "Untethered," Angela-Jackson Brown masterfully weaves a touching narrative that captures the essence of a woman's struggle between duty and desire in the turbulent backdrop of 1967 Alabama. Katia Daniels is a beautifully crafted character whose deep sense of responsibility resonates with anyone who has ever felt the weight of familial obligations. Her dedication to the boys at the Pike County Group Home is both inspiring and heartbreaking, as she navigates her own longing for motherhood while caring for others.

The emotional depth of Katia's story is enhanced by the historical context, providing a rich tapestry of the changing South during a time of social upheaval. The author skillfully explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, making Katia's journey relatable and compelling. The reintroduction of Seth Taylor adds a layer of nostalgia and hope, reminding readers that it’s never too late to pursue one's dreams.

What I particularly appreciated was the way the narrative delves into Katia's internal conflicts, making her journey not just about external circumstances but also about her personal growth. The soothing presence of Nina Simone's music and the escape found in romance novels serve as perfect metaphors for Katia's quest for solace and identity.

This novel is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of life, love, and the choices we make. It left me reflecting on my own responsibilities and the dreams I hold dear. "Untethered" is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that beautifully balances the struggles of the heart with the realities of life. Highly recommended!

1967, Troy Alabama. Katia’s life is full of responsibilities. When her father died she looked after her mother and younger twin brothers. When the boys left to fight in Vietnam she made sure her mom was okay. Her job, executive director at a group home for troubled boys, keeps her on her toes, but she loves her boys and loves helping them succeed. Her life has been full of work from a young age with very little play. And things are looking like they might get harder until a high school crush, Seth, re-emerges and is making Katia’s heart beat a little faster and her cheeks a little hotter. Torn between letting someone in and soldiering on the way she has always done Katia will have to make some choices.
This book was a romance in a lot of ways, but it was so much more. Katia is one of my favourite protagonists I’ve read this year. She is unrelenting in her dedication to the boys in the home and her family. She is the person that is always strong for others and much of this story is her learning how to lean on people when she needs to. I do recommend watching where you read this book because it did make me cry a couple times.
Thank you to @angelajacksonbrownauthor for writing such a wonderful book. Thank you to @harpermusebooks and @netgalley for letting me have an advanced copy for review. Look for #untethered December 3, 2024.
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Talk about a book. Immediately when I first saw this, I had an idea of what to expect from the synopsis alone but I was obviously wrong. Katia is someone who is very relatable and someone that I see myself in. Very giving, can sometimes self sabotage, and worry about others before themselves (I used to be like that really badly, but I’m working to unlearn those bad habits). But despite the rollercoaster of emotions I felt, I’m rooting for Katia in wherever life takes her. She deserves it more than anyone else.

This is a beautiful story of family, love, and loss. From the very first page, Brown’s compelling prose draws readers into the emotional landscape of her characters. Her ability to articulate complex feelings with clarity and depth makes the journey relatable and deeply immersive. The vivid descriptions of the setting enhance the storytelling, creating a world that feels both familiar and evocative. 'Untethered' is a powerful exploration of personal and communal identity, beautifully rendered by Angela Jackson Brown. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page has been turned, encouraging readers to reflect on their own journeys and the connections that ground them. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a poignant and thought-provoking read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thank you Harper Muse for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Untethered is such a soul stirring story. Such a poignant tale of love after loss and making the best of what you have. In addition the story was a powerful nod to the notion that motherhood can come in all shapes and sizes; that one doesn’t necessarily have to have birthed children to be a mother.

In addition, I loved the added element of various musical artists highlighted from the era perspective this book was written for. I was constantly googling songs/artists to add to my own diverse collection.

A worthy read. Warning: read with tissues near.

UNTETHERED by ANGELA JACKSON-BROWN unfolds the poignant journey of Katia Daniels, a devoted caretaker of boys in a group home nestled in Troy, Alabama. She is a pillar of strength for her family, her boys, and her dedicated staff. Following her father's passing, she has taken on the dual role of caregiver for her mother and twin brothers. Her burdens multiply as one brother is lost in the jungles of Vietnam, while the other grapples with the haunting shadows of war. Meanwhile, a boy from the group home battles the turmoil of a drug-addicted mother and her criminal partner.

The narrative delves into the depths of unconditional love, unwavering commitment, and the weight of personal responsibility. A flicker of romance ignites when Seth Taylor, a familiar face from high school, reappears in her life. Katia grapples with his affections, haunted by her own struggles with motherhood.

This tale weaves together threads of suspense and sorrow, interlaced with glimmers of hope and joy. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley through Harper Muse, and these reflections are my own.

UNTETHERED by ANGELA JACKSON-BROWN is the poignant story of Katia Daniels who is in charge of group home for Negro boys in Troy, Alabama. She is hard working and I like to see her commitment to her family, her group home boys and her staff, and the way she really cares for others.
Together with her work responsibilities, she has looked after her mother and twin brothers since her father’s death. Now her problems have intensified with her one brother lost in action in Vietnam and her other brother home, but suffering from his wartime experiences, and one of her group home boys, who she is trying to keep safe from his drug addict mother and her criminal boyfriend. …….
This is a story about unconditional love, commitment and taking resonsibility for one’s actions. There is also a hint of romance when Seth Taylor, who Kat knew in her high school days, comes on the scene. Will she risk falling for him seeing she is sure he will not be interested in marrying someone who can never have children?…..
There is suspense and sadness, but also hope and joy.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Harper Muse. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Angela Jackson-Brown's Untethered is a poignant exploration of motherhood, identity, and the complexities of human connection. Set against the backdrop of the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys, the narrative centers on Katia, a caregiver who dedicates herself to nurturing the boys in her care while grappling with her own unfulfilled desire for motherhood.

The novel intricately weaves themes of loss and longing, as Katia's journey unfolds alongside her relationships with the boys and her own personal struggles. Jackson-Brown's writing is both lyrical and deeply emotional, capturing the essence of her characters' experiences. The author skillfully portrays Katia's internal conflicts, particularly her feelings of inadequacy and her yearning for a family of her own, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist.

The setting of the group home serves as a microcosm for broader societal issues, including race, family dynamics, and the search for belonging. Jackson-Brown's nuanced portrayal of the boys adds depth to the story, highlighting their individual stories and struggles, which enriches the overall narrative.

In Untethered, Jackson-Brown not only tells a compelling story but also invites readers to reflect on the meaning of family and the bonds that tie us together. The novel is a heartfelt examination of the sacrifices made for love and the transformative power of connection, making it a significant addition to contemporary literature.

Overall, Untethered is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page. Jackson-Brown's ability to blend personal and social themes creates a rich tapestry that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Loved the book the characters the struggle the story.
I have no words to describe it .
Highly recommend

In this beautifully crafted novel, we follow Katia Daniels, the executive director of a group home for young Black boys. Her life is shadowed by the anguish of her twin brothers, Marcus and Aaron, who are missing in action during the Vietnam War. Although Marcus eventually returns home, he struggles to readjust to civilian life. Katia devotes herself to supporting Marcus while also managing her duties at the group home, where she forms deep connections with two boys, Chad and "Pee-Wee." Simultaneously, she reunites with Seth, a high school acquaintance and veteran, who provides much-needed support for both Marcus and Katia's family. This novel offers a compelling exploration of the lengths we go to for those we love, the complexities of healing, and the heartbreaking truths that often accompany efforts to build better futures for our vulnerable youth.