Beautiful, timeless and raw insight into the life of a hardworking woman in social work. Running a group home and navigating personal life isn’t for the weak and Katia is certainly not that although she’s spread herself beyond thin.

This character driven novel is a reminder of the real world and the problems many of us face today but has so much passion and heart you can help but fall in love with each character and their role in Katia’s life, happiness, sorrow in hopes of amending all that she strives for.

Untethered by Angel Jackson-Brown was a solid five star book for me. This was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by this author. All of my emotions were touched as I made my way through this impressive and moving book. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated exceptionally well by Karen Murray. She was able to portray the essence of each character. I was originally drawn to the beautiful cover. It is quite spectacular! The writing, subject matter and way Angela Jackson-Brown portrayed each of the characters, though, was what had me turning the pages and reading far beyond my bedtime.

The year was 1967 and Katia Daniels was still living at her childhood home with her widowed mother in Troy, Alabama. Katia’s twin brothers had enlisted in the Marines and they were serving in Vietnam. She and her mother prayed for their safety constantly. Katia was the executive director of The Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys. She took her job very seriously and cared deeply for each of her charges. Katia was strict with her boys and taught them that broken rules had consequences but there was no doubt that the boys in the home had a piece of her heart. Katia had no time or interest in dating. The boys in the home were her life. They were enough for her. There were two boys in particular that had crept into Katia’s heart, Chad and Pee Wee. Katia cared deeply for these two boys. Chad looked out for Pee Wee and had taken him under his wing. Pee Wee had a stutter and the other boys made fun of him but Chad put an end to that quickly. Pee Wee and Chad had not been handed an easy life and they had already experienced so much in their young lives. Both boys’ mothers were addicted to drugs and had been incarcerated. Their extended families were not willing to take either boy in and assume responsibility for their care. Katia was extremely blessed to have an incredible supportive staff but the mostly white board of directors were constantly threatening to fire Katia. Racial tension was still prevalent in the Deep South especially for black women. They had a harder time proving their worth and capabilities. Katia found herself in a constant battle with the director of the board. When one of the boys went missing, Katia couldn’t stop looking for him. Katia was prepared to do whatever it took to find the missing boy even if it meant losing her job.

Untethered also focused on the physical and mental challenges that the soldiers who fought in Vietnam faced when they returned stateside. Katia and her mother had received an official letter from the United States military that her twin brothers were missing in action in Vietnam. When one of her twin brothers was found and sent home he returned as a shell of what he had been. An old school friend of Katia’s had also recently returned from fighting in Vietnam. He had returned home with a prosthetic where his leg used to be. Katia got reacquainted with him when he and his construction company started to do work at The Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys. In addition to running his construction company, he also met with and led a group of returning Vietnam veterans in a support group. When he learned about Katia’s brother he offered his help and support to talk with her brother. Many of the soldiers that had returned from Vietnam were having a difficult time. Talking among themselves about the experiences only they experienced was the kind of thing they needed to conquer the demons that they brought home with them. Could he help Katia’s brother recover? Was there a romantic connection between Katia and her old friend?

Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown touched on so many important issues that were prevalent in the south during the 1960’s. Firstly, it did an excellent job portraying the broken foster care system especially when it came to Negro boys. Racism, the traumas that returning Vietnam veterans experienced, the realization of just how many POW’s there were and the exorbitant amount of soldiers that were considered missing in action, racism, love, loss, grief, family, hope and being true to one’s beliefs and values were all explored in Untethered. I really admired Katia’s courage, leadership, the examples she set for her boys and her strength. Pee Wee and Chad were also endearing characters for me. I did shed a few tears but I also smiled a lot. I recommend the audiobook highly. If you enjoy a well researched historical fiction novel that will pull at your heartstrings I recommend Untethered highly.

Thank you to HarperCollins Focus/ Harper Muse for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh I love this! I was so heartbroken over some of the things that happened but I also learned a lot and walked away with new compassion. I loved the narration! I love the romance too! This is a book about family.

When I was reading the actual words of this book I was listening. Loved it.
The dictionary gives the meaning of untethered as not physically connected to fasted to something to restricted by a tether. However, Untethered is anything but that because you could not tell me that these characters were not linked. I think the author named this book untethered to show us that we are all connected in some way because I definitely connected with Katia. Katia made me face somethings I feel about myself so much that I had to grab for a tissue or two. I love when a book reaches in and touches your soul unexpectedly. I loved this read and will remember Katia and her family by blood and the family made.

This is a story of “family” and how you choose to define it. There is heartbreak and triumph. Grief and glee. Forgiveness and truth. I enjoyed the historical context , which lent itself to bringing you into the story, along with the beautiful narration.

The narration was remarkable. Well defined character distinction, made me feel and/or identify what the character was going through. I snickered , became teary….

If you enjoy historical fiction that offers a glimmer of hope when life is just lif’n, I would encourage picking this one up. Audio for sure!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley and for the opportunity to LISTEN and review.

Untetheredf explores the complexities of family, identity, and the weight of responsibility, but with a focus on the struggles of a woman navigating infertility and the constraints of societal expectations.

I cried reading this story. I also have purchased a copy for my trophy shelf. This was a beautifully written piece of literature.

🎧 Audiobook Review
Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown
Pub Date: 12/3/2024

This was my first read by rhe author and it will not be my last. Captivating, emotional and devastating are just a few of rhe emotions I felt reading this historical fiction novel. Set in the racist South in the 1960's Katia a single African-American woman is trying to find her place in this hectic cruel world. She runs a boys home for black boys who mostly nobody wants, yet she wants them to feel loved and cared for. She wants love but is too scared to want it since she can't have children of her own. Katia also has twin brothers that went to fight in the Vietnam War with only one returning home broken. But through it all this story shows a strong Katia trying to overcome all the roadblocks coming at her, her family and protecting her boys all at the same time. In true fashion, caring the weight of the world on her shoulders.

The audiobook narration was amazing, the narrator was able to bring each character to life all while making the story feel incredibly intimate. I cannot recommend Untethered enough. The was such a poignant, beautiful read that told a story that needed to be told.

Thank you to Angela Jackson-Brown, and NetGalley for providing the ALC.

As soon I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book. The book is set in Troy, Alabama, which happens to be the birthplace of one of my favorite Civil Rights Legends, Representative John Lewis. It’s also not too far from my hometown so you know I was locked in! (Plus, Me 🔑 + Southern Fiction🔒 = 🔐) This was my third Angela Jackson-Brown book in just a few months. She’s definitely one of the reasons why I’ve been stuck in my historical fiction reading streak. This was different from the others and I think this might be my favorite of hers. Katia runs a group home for boys and she’s very protective of them, as she should be. She is also burdened with a load of professional and personal problems. I know that life all too well, especially working with children myself. Those problems can be particularly hard to leave at work. I loved seeing her take a few moments to herself to enjoy a few pages of her favorite books, a few spins of her treasured albums, or a quiet, calming bath. We have to find joy and peace whenever and however can. Although this story takes place in 1967, it still rings true today and it’s more important than ever now. Black women it’s our time to rest! You should pick this one up if you if need that reminder in historical fiction form.

Rating: 4.5/ 5 ⭐️

This was my first listen from this narrator but I enjoyed her warm voice and performance. I look forward to hearing more from her.

Thanks to Hear Our Voices Tours, Harper Muse Books, and Angela Jackson-Brown for my gifted ARCs and ALC!

This was a powerful historical fiction. Found family is a very strong, beautiful theme, woven in with platonic love, familial love, romantic love, and community love. The story touched me and made me cry.

𐙚 Thought Provoking
𐙚 Grief & Healing
𐙚 Found Family

Listening to Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown was an emotional journey of grief, healing, and resilience. The audiobook brought Bernadette and Katia’s struggles to life, immersing me in their powerful stories of self-discovery and love. Set in 1970s Indiana, the book highlights the strength of Black women. The love Katia showed for the boys under her care was inspiring, and her journey of endurance deeply moved me. While some moments were heartbreaking, the themes of endurance and found family shone brightly. Highly recommended!

Rating: ✰✰✰✰.5 /5

Thank you for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. ・❥・

I requested the opportunity to review this novel because I was interested in seeing Katia’s transformation and growth. I wanted to see how she handled balancing her own needs and wants with those of her family and workplace. I wasn’t disappointed.

Katia’s strength and vulnerability were evident throughout the novel. The way she supported and encouraged her mother, cared for her twin brothers and the boys in the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys, while navigating the racism of 1967 Alabama was well-written and realistic to the lived experiences of Black women. Katia was, like many women, torn between her obligations to others and the desire to find her own way in this world. Her reliance on Nina Simone and her romance novels to get through life was the perfect nod to the real life escapism of bookish girls.

I like that the story wasn’t neatly wrapped up, there was some grittiness to the story. Life isn’t neat nor is it fair, and this story kept true to that. There were several points when I was literally feeling my chest tighten because of the reality of the situation. When my sisters and I were kids, our mother briefly worked as a caretaker in a girls’ home. I remember the girls arriving there broken, but over time, they developed close, almost sisterly bonds with each other and with us. This relationship dynamic was captured perfectly in Jackson-Brown’s portrayal of Chad and Pee Wee’s bond.

Narration
The narration was wonderfully done. Karen Murray’s pace was even from beginning to end and the pacing allowed for natural breaking points when necessary. My only criticism is that there should’ve been at least two narrators as there were so many different characters. That being said, Murray did a wonderful job giving personality to each character.

Favorite Quote
I never should have accepted crumbs when I deserved the entire cake. Sis, you deserve the cake.

Recommended For
Book clubs and anyone who is a fan of historical fiction. If you choose to read the print edition, I’d recommend having Nina Simone playing in the background.

The Extras
I appreciated the historical notes at the end of the story as well as the source references. I love when authors provide “for further reading” notes with historical fiction, it makes the reading experience so much more immersive.

Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours & @harpermuse for my gifted copy‼️

𝚄𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍- 𝟷. 𝚃𝚘 𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚊 𝚝𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛. 𝟸. 𝚃𝚘 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝: 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢. 𝟹. 𝚃𝚘 𝚏𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚜.

This book was amazing I promise the author never misses with the historical fiction. There is so much power and authenticity in her writing you will not put this down. Literally every book I’ve read by her I’ve loved but I think this one is by far my favorite.

Exploring the consequences of a failed foster care system, irrational decisions, living in a group home, codependency, heartbreak, trauma and how children are placed into situations where they have to protect themselves from neglect and abuse. We follow Katia Daniels a woman torn between doing what’s right against a system that continues to do so much wrong.

Unable to bear children of her own Katia became the mother those boys needed at the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys. With her personal life already being a struggle she was not only a caretaker for the group home but also her family. Not to mention one brother returned home from war, the other was missing in action, and she also lost her father in the midst of it all.

You’d think things couldn’t get any worse until they do. With the weight of the world on her shoulders Katia eventually spread herself to thin and a mishap with one of the group home boys makes her realize she has more to lose than she thought.

Overall, this book was so worth the read and I highly recommend it. All of the characters were lovable, memorable, and richly developed. Chad and PeeWee will definitely tug at your heartstrings. It was a little unsettling to see some of the things the boys had to endure especially Chad. But if you love historical fiction you won’t be disappointed with this book.

🌹 🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 🌹
Angela Jackson-Brown’s 𝙐𝙩𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 sheds light on the immense burden Black women shoulder, picking up nearly every responsibility around them. However, this constant struggle leaves them overwhelmed and exhausted, leaving no room for self-care or their own well-being. This isn’t done intentionally; it’s a repetitive pattern rooted in Black women’s historical roles as nurturers, homemakers, advice-givers, caretakers, mothers, and likely the backbone of many groups, institutions, and families. Without the presence of strong Black women in our lives, everything else would crumble. I know this because I’m one of those Black women contributing to my own downfall and must untether themselves from the cycle of Black Superwoman syndrome.

If you read Jackson-Brown’s 𝙐𝙩𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙, then you may find yourself recognizing yourself, your mother, your aunts, or your sister. Too many Black women are burdened with the responsibility of transforming the world while others continue to witness its destruction. The protagonist, Katia Daniels, undoubtedly serves as the linchpin that binds her work and family together, yet she is overwhelmed by an excessive number of challenges. Katia’s inability to fully comprehend her own issues stems from the lack of space allocated for reflection and deep contemplation. As readers, it is crucial to recognize our own contributions to the misfortune or predicament of others. People often refuse to acknowledge their burden because they’re used to you picking it up and putting it down.

While 𝙐𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 addresses more issues affecting the Black race, particularly during the tumultuous Civil Rights era, I contend that the novel’s central theme is the liberation from the Black Superwoman syndrome. The parallels between the novel and my own experiences as a Black woman become even more evident when you consider the overwhelming stress that comes from an incessant desire to fix everything, ensure everyone’s well-being, and relentlessly pursue the best outcomes—all at the expense of self-care and overall well-being.

What has persisted from this era in American history that Jackson-Brown discusses is the enduring legacy of Black women assuming leadership roles and ultimately bearing the consequences of a society that rejects and marginalizes them. 𝙐𝙩𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 urges us, as a collective, to introspect on the ways in which we can effect positive change within our communities rather than burdening Black women with these challenges. If you have read this novel, you will recognize that Jackson-Brown presents amicable resolutions to contemporary issues by facilitating pathways for cooperation among characters such as Seth, Mrs. Hendricks, and Jason, rather than allowing Katia to shoulder the entire burden.

I read this book with conviction and power. I understand that it offers an alternative to hard work and stress, replacing them with rest, peace, and happiness. Black women have undoubtedly earned a soft life.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you partners @hearourvoicestours, @harpermusebooks, @angelajacksonbrownaauthor, and @netgalley for the gifted book and ALC.

🏷 #Untethered #AngelaJacksonBrownAuthor #UntetheredBook #HearOurVoices #HOV #historicalfiction #BooksToRead #Bookish #Bookstagrammer #BookLover #wellreadblackgirl

"I'd that dream again last night. Leeches. Everywhere I turned. I woke up just in time to stifle a scream. Maybe I needed some therapy myself, but who had time for it ? My life was filled with one thing after another. Looking after myself wasn’t top on my priority list."



💭 Katia Daniels is such a strong, impressive and resilient female character and her love and dedication to her work as an executive director at the Pike Country Group Home for boys is very admirable. She is a heroine in her own right. The type of work she does, is very emotionally draining and taxing trying to be a lifeline for others and yet, also rewarding. She is very compassionate and protective of her boys especially to Chad and Peewee and you can't help but to also feel and root for these characters (most especially Peewee! It's hard not to adore the kid.) When you hear about stories like Chad’s and Pee Wee’s, it will make you feel awful for complaining and whining about your life/situation.
Despite dealing with her own family, personal and health concerns, she is determined to do her darnedest to care and protect the boys under her watch, stress and all. They are blessed to have her as their advocate and support. This African American historical fiction book is impactful and influential, poignant, touching, captivating and thought-provoking. The audio narration is fantastic. Highly, highly recommend the audio book version to get the full Peewee experience (his sweet innocence and stuttering charm are both adorable and will most likely steal and thaw even an ice queen's heart) .

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse publishing/Harper Muse audio books for approving both digital and audiobook arc. 🖤

5✨

Is Beautifully Heartbreaking a thing? This book was exactly that. A woman navigating her personal life & career while enduring grief, loss & the stress of the unknown from both ends is more than enough to drive anyone to the edge. But the power of the support she has from those who work closely with her and those that are friends & family that show up for her is incredible. They help her to see the good she does, to value the tremendous amount of care & love she has for the boys in her group and to allow herself to find joy without feeling guilt. Highly recommend, especially for those that like Before I Let Go.

How does someone who's always taken on the responsibility of caring for others begin to carve out a life where she can finally be cared for? This is a question our main character, Katia, grapples with, and it’s clear that her journey is just beginning. An unexpected event soon propels her toward someone she never anticipated needing—opening the door to a new chapter in her life that promises growth and discovery.

As I look ahead to my reading goals for 2025, I decided to delve deeper into Black historical fiction, and "Untethered" was a great opener into the genre, showcasing Katia's superwoman mentality and hinting at her transformation throughout the narrative. For anyone curious about getting more into this genre, Untethered is a great starting point.

I enjoyed this audiobook

4.5 stars rounded to 5.

In 1967 Troy, Alabama, Katia Daniels balances her role as the Executive Director at the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys and her family’s burdens, while longing for children of her own. Struggling with workplace tensions, a lost brother in Vietnam, and personal sacrifice, she finds comfort in romance novels and Nina Simone. When Seth Taylor, a high school acquaintance, reappears, Katia begins to question her choices and dreams amid the challenges of love, duty, and self-discovery in a changing South.

I was stuck in a major reading slump until I got lucky and received this ARC. I binged it in two days! Thankfully, I also received the audiobook, and I'm so glad I did! Karen Murray did an incredible job narrating and bringing each character and their unique traits to life! There was one spot in the book where I would've liked more information surrounding the incident, but other than that, the writing was phenomenal. And the epilogue and author's notes were brilliant!!!!

•𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲: Strong, dedicated FMC, coming of age, found family, and love.
This book made me feel: Sad, hopeful, angry, dedicated, and proud of the main character.
•𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟: Books by Charmaine Wilkerson (Black Cake)
What to listen to: Nina Simone and Dionne Warwick
•Gift/Little Free Libraries/Book Club: Yes on all 3!

This book left me in tears—Angela, Angela, Angela!

As an Alabama resident, I found myself immersed in the vivid settings and authentic atmosphere depicted throughout the story.

Karen Murray masterfully captured Katia's emotions as she navigated her understanding of womanhood and questioned her worth against the world's expectations. It was powerful to see her grapple with her self-image and discover what it truly means to be enough.

This book took me on an incredible emotional rollercoaster. I cried, laughed, cheered, and reflected deeply on its themes.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed this compelling audiobook!

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse, and Angela Jackson-Brown for the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on this remarkable book. I'm also grateful for the ALC provided.

A wonderful historical fiction with lots of big lessons to takeaway.
When I think of this book I think of all of my friends that work so closely with under serviced children and the emotional toll it takes on them.
I also think about the timing the books take place and how much Black folx had to navigate through.
There were a couple times some narratives felt a little too repetitive though, which took me out of the story just a bit.

I appreciated the DESERVED happily ever after that the main character gets, because she does struggle through so much in the book.

Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown is a deeply emotional and moving story centered on Ms. Katia, a kind, giving, and sweet woman who serves as the executive director of a group home for boys. Ms. Katia's life begins to unravel as she navigates the heartbreak of learning her brothers are missing in Vietnam, chaos at the group home, and the sudden reappearance of her high school crush, Seth. These elements weave together a story that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful.

Angela Jackson-Brown proves once again why she is a queen of historical fiction. While this novel focuses more on the personal lives of its characters than on historical events, the emotional depth is unmatched. I cried through the final chapters and found myself completely invested in every character. The romance was a delightful addition, and I saw pieces of myself in so many moments throughout the book.

The audiobook narration was another highlight, bringing each character to life and making the story feel incredibly intimate. I cannot recommend Untethered enough—it’s a stunning work that will stay with you long after you finish.

Thank you to Angela Jackson-Brown, Hear Our Voices Tours, and NetGalley for providing the ARC and ALC.

CAWPILE Ratings:
Characters: 10
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 9
Plot: 9
Intrigue: 8
Logic: 9
Enjoyment: 10

Overall, Untethered is a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories with a touch of romance and historical depth.