3.5 rounded up

I did really enjoy this book and the characters in it. Honestly, it probably is a 4 star book and definitely could of been a 5. I enjoyed the plot and found the characters interesting and intriguing. My main issue with this book, is it started extremely slowly - I almost gave up reading at some points. I think I could of looked past the pacing issue if I was already interested in the characters (e.g. a sequel) but I think the slowness of the start was overall detrimental to the book.

I would however highly recommend the book after you get through the first 100 or so pages.

I have so many mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, the protagonist is incredibly relatable to me because we work in similar fields, but on the other hand, she can be frustrating and overwhelming. Like Katia, I also work with young boys who have been failed by the system or come from families dealing with their own struggles. These boys make tough choices just to survive, even if those choices are dangerous. And as an adult who wants to protect and nurture them, it’s easy to lose yourself in the work—so much so that you forget to take care of yourself.

Katia is a strong Black woman in her 40s, still living at home, stuck in a half-hearted relationship, and never really given the space to grieve. She's the rock for her family and the executive director of a group home where she cares for troubled young boys, guiding them toward success. She constantly reminds them that being a Black boy in today’s world will make them a target, but no matter how hard she tries, she can’t save them all. On top of everything, her two brothers go missing in Vietnam, and only one returns.

Katia’s self-esteem is shattered, and her view of herself is harsh. She’s convinced she lacks beauty or value, especially because she can't have children. With a love interest she ignores, two boys she feels she can't save, a mother with no boundaries, a job where the racist owner wants to see her fail, and the weight of all her worries, Katia is like a ticking time bomb. No one can carry that kind of load forever.

While I appreciate how the book addresses the trauma and tough decisions young men face—things that need to be discussed—the repetition of Katia’s struggles was a bit much. The book covers a lot of heavy themes: abuse, trauma, death, love, nourishment, and the power of prayer. Losing faith and hope is a recurring theme, but through it all, the support, and prayers from those around her provide a constant sense of comfort. There’s a beautiful focus on the complexity of faith and the journey of understanding versus questioning God.

Despite all of Katia’s struggles, there’s an undeniable beauty in her character—one she’s reluctant to see but deeply deserves to feel. She may be far from perfect, but she’s fighting for something better, and by the end of the book, I truly hoped she would find a happy ending.

Stressed out Katia is forty-years old, living with her mom, working as Executive Director of the Pike County Group Home for Boys. Self-conscious about her size (5'10" 190lbs), Katia is panicked about her younger twin brothers MIA in Viet Nam, her board of directors being mostly against her, and recently having been told by doctors she'll never bear children. Although admirable in her ability to handle anything that arises, strong as a rock, capable and sensible, she is also so incapacitated by grief, anxiety, and overwhelm that she seemed unable to address what I would have prioritized: vehicle repairs, and finding amenable appointees to a hostile board of directors.

I felt this book started up slow, which made me nitpicky: I wondered why half her staff had been hired so recently, I was struck by the overabundance of food at home and at work, and found some details a bit hard to believe, ie "for their first week in class, I sat outside of their classroom window so that if they got scared, they could look outside and see me" (what 19 yr old girl has that kind of free time?).

But in the second half, plot points ramped up quickly, and all that painstaking attention to detail paid off as characters took action, and I was completely riveted. Untethered is the kind of Romance novel that can pass for historical fiction; its multi-leveled story line proves so complex and compelling that the sappy happy ending comes as a very welcome surprise.

I loved everything about this!!! Katia is one of my favorite FMC. It's a story of self-discovery, family, love, and the complexities of womanhood. Set in Troy,Alabama in the 1960s. Katia, the executive director of Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys, pours all of her heart and energy into caring for her boys. She is the person everyone leans on and she always has to be strong. When her high school crush comes back to town, she realizes her life was not as fulfilling as she thought. As things at work, with her family, and her love life take a turn for the worst, she must learn how to accept the support she's so used to giving. Katia's character was so relatable. I too find myself packing away my feelings to be supportive to others. She focuseson her flaws and uses them to deem herself as undeserving. The love story, although not the focus, was sweet and beautiful. This was an amazing story.I would highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Set in 1967 Alabama, this novel follows the life of a beautiful Black woman named Katie Daniels. As the executive director of a group home for boys, she faces realistic and relatable challenges, balancing her commitment to her community with the complex burdens of her personal life. Her story sheds light on themes of grief, undergoing a hysterectomy, military experiences, and racial barriers within the community. I appreciated the more awkward moments with Katie, which revealed her insecurities and the personal walls she has built. These moments made her character feel authentic and relatable, especially for Black women. This book was inspiring and resonated with my own experiences in the human services and social work field. Angela Jackson-Brown keeps you engaged and emotionally invested in both the characters and the plot.

what can i say about untethered? this book was decently written, easy to follow. i fear this may be a wrong book wrong time situation, - i had a hard time staying engaged in the story but at some points i was fully invested. BUT the cover is beautiful :) thank you for the arc netgalley!!

Angela Jackson-Brown is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. All of her stories leave me wanting more and this one was no exception. set in the south, during Vietnam War, it is the story of a young woman and her responsibility to her family as well as her dreams of her own heart. Definitely add this to your pile and read it now!

Now I did not think this book would have me sobbing like it did. My heart broke so many times but I also smiled through out. Katia had a heart of gold and I really loved how she loved the boys of the group home.

Chad 💔

Seth’s patience.

The reality of how the war affected the men.

Leon & Mama 😂😭😂 A mess.


I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Untethered is a stunning novel that left me breathless. Angela Jackson-Brown masterfully tells a deeply emotional and compelling story about identity, resilience, and the complexities of relationships. The protagonist’s journey is heart-wrenching and empowering, and I immersed myself entirely in her world. Jackson-Brown’s writing is lyrical and poignant, with each page drawing you deeper into the characters’ lives and struggles. The themes of self-discovery and breaking free from past burdens resonate powerfully, making this a novel and an experience. Every twist and turn was thoughtfully crafted, leaving me reflecting long after I turned the last page. It is a must-read for anyone who loves beautifully written, character-driven stories that touch the soul. This one is unforgettable!

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.

𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 📙
ℙ𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝔻𝕒𝕥𝕖:𝟙𝟚/𝟛/𝟚𝟜
4⭐️

This is the third book I’ve read by @angelajacksonbrownauthor and you don’t miss sis. I was so excited when I saw this one on @netgalley and found it in my email. This story is told from the POV of Katia Daniels. She is the manager of the home for negro boys in Troy Alabama in 1967. I was impressed from this alone because to be a black woman in an executive position in this era was unheard of. Trust me she dealt with her share of political crap from a board of directors but she did it was such grace. She pours her heart into this place and the children that come. What I loved most about her was she loved the family of those kids also especially if they were willing to do the work. She cares for everyone else but no one takes care of her until her high school crush walks back into her life Seth Taylor. The romance portion of this one gave me all the warm fuzzy feels. I mean even her mom got her second chance at happily ever after 😍. The topics like Vietnam, ptsd, child abuse, murder and white privilege all come to play in this plot. Have the tissues ready as you read this one because like many of the authors other books, it’s an emotional unforgettable journey.
Thank you to @harpermusebooks and @netgalley for my ARC of this one.

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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.