Untethered was a heartbreaking “if it aint one thing, it’s another” love song to Black women. We have all either been Katia, or known a few Katia’s in our life time. This is just another tale of a magical Black woman who goes above and beyond for everyone around her; who feels not good enough when we can’t fix every wrong and make everything right.

Katia is balancing her job which practically consumes her life and energy, family issues and gives her the scraps every day. Things get harder when she finds herself deeply involved in the lives of the boys at the group home she manages.

I absolutely loved this story! It brought me back from a deep reading slump and makes me want to read more moving stories like this.

The narration was incredible!! All of the emotions were amplified! I’d love if this narrator could read every audiobook to me!

"Untethered" by Angela Jackson-Brown is a 5 star historical fiction novel set in Alabama in 1967 with a smart female black main character. The Vietnam War was happening overseas.

Open the book and see what life was like for Katia Daniels, the executive director of the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys!

She is 40 and childless and really wants to be a mother, but she is close to many of the boys at the group home she runs. Most of the boys have troubled backgrounds, and some have challenging or even violent behaviors. Mostly, they need love and protection. She gets close to two of the boys in particular, Chad and PeeWee.

Katia lives with her mother, and they have a very good relationship. Her brothers, who are twins, are serving in the Marines in Vietnam and are declared missing in action. This story is set from just before Thanksgiving until around Christmas in 1967.

Karen Murray was the narrator of the audiobook, and she did an excellent job. The nearly 11-hour long audiobook flew by.

This book is immersive and very well written. It's interesting, and it gives you a sense of the culture and time period. There is introspection and self development as well as fear and anger, hope and love. This book gave me insight into a culture different from my own and made me feel nostalgic for it. Wow!

Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Unputdownability - 5/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 5/5
Overall - 39/8 = 4 7/8 rounded up to 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Focus / Harper Collins Muse, and Angela Jackson-Brown for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This book took me on a powerful emotional journey—captivating, heartbreaking, and deeply moving. I experienced it through the audiobook, beautifully narrated by Karen Murray, who truly brought each character to life. The setting of the story resonated with me, not for its historical context, but for its poignant exploration of the mental and emotional challenges faced by Black boys and the men who served in Vietnam. It beautifully illustrated that family isn't solely defined by blood; rather, it's about those who offer love, support, honesty, and a comforting hug in times of need. This was my first encounter with this author, but it certainly won't be my last. Additionally, Katia's admiration for Nina Simone was a delightful touch, as I share the same love for her music.

This is a well told story with great characters and a realistic setting. I really loved all the characters, wanting a happy ending for each of them. The audiobook was well read, and I was fully engaged in the narration throughout. The story is set in Alabama in the 60s, with race as a main theme, but it didn't feel extremely historical in the voice, I kept forgetting it was in the 60s, the situations and issues are still pretty relevant today, which is a bummer to realize. I really liked it overall. I don't feel the title really fits the book.

Untethered is a difficult book to explain. Each time I’ve tried to put pen to paper, I’ve felt as though I’ve failed to capture its magic. While the premise—a story about an African American woman running a foster home for Black boys in the segregated South—is compelling in itself, what truly makes this novel memorable is its execution. When I try to pinpoint what the story does best, I find myself going in circles. The very things that make it brilliant also make it difficult to describe. But here’s trying.

Every element—the historical setting, the exploration of race, the characterisation—is done exceptionally well. Even more impressive, though, is how each of these elements informs the others, seamlessly blending to create a story that feels greater than the sum of its parts.

The characterisation, in particular, stood out to me. Each character feels so well realised that the story could have easily centred on any one of them and still been an engaging read. And yet, there’s something about Katia that makes her the perfect lens through which to view the story. Her rich inner world immediately drew me in. There was always a tension between her thoughts and her actions—whether in her relationships with the boys or her romantic life—as she often acts in ways that contradict her desires. What I found especially compelling was how her motivations were explored in these moments: placing boundaries with the boys to protect them despite her love for them, or keeping distance from men out of fear of vulnerability.

The foster boys, particularly Chad and Peewee, are portrayed with remarkable empathy, their experiences illustrating the nuanced ways trauma manifests. Some boys become withdrawn, others lash out in anger or fear, and many embody a blend of seemingly contradictory emotions. Peewee’s anxious attachment and vulnerability highlight how trauma can leave someone clinging for reassurance, while Chad’s anger reveals how fear and hurt can harden into defiance. These portrayals underscore that responses to abuse aren’t always ‘ideal’ or linear, yet they remain deeply human and deserving of compassion.

Finally, I really appreciated the way race is woven throughout the novel, shaping every interaction and decision. From how Black boys are disproportionately returned to unsafe situations, their emotions more readily dismissed or weaponised, to how Katia struggles to be taken seriously as both a Black person and a woman—all of these challenges are heightened by the story’s Southern setting. As a Black woman, I found the portrayal accessible to a wide audience without compromising its authenticity. It never felt like a story about Black characters written for a white gaze; instead, it was a deeply grounded story that reflected the realities of being black within the wider context of the story.

"Untethered" by Angela Jackson-Brown is a poignant exploration of duty and personal growth, set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1960s in Troy, Alabama. This narrative centers on Katia Daniels, a compassionate caregiver at the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys, who finds herself deeply entrenched in a life of service, spurred by her family's history and her own inherent sense of responsibility. While the novel does not delve deeply into the historical context of the Vietnam War era, focusing instead on Katia's internal journey and her romantic entanglements, it still captures the essence of personal conflict and societal change.

Jackson-Brown's portrayal of Katia is compelling; she is depicted as a strong, resilient woman who consistently overcomes the hardships life throws her way. However, compared to Jackson-Brown's previous work, "Homeward," which I found rich with historical depth and complex narrative layers, "Untethered" feels somewhat straightforward.

Overall, I give "Untethered" four stars. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the complex choices one must navigate in the pursuit of personal fulfillment and happiness. While it may not have the historical richness of her previous works, it is undoubtedly a touching and meaningful read.

Katia Daniels, who serves as director of a group home for boys of color in 1967 Alabama, grapples with many professional and personal struggles. She loves the kids who live in the group home as if they are her own (especially since she can't bear any children herself), and she longs for true love although she is convinced it isn't meant for her. Her twin brothers went to Vietnam, and now one of them is home with PTSD while the other is missing in action. In unconventional ways, Katia struggles to build a family in spite of the challenges thrown her way.

This book is historical fiction, but it's different than most in the genre because it's much more character driven and less focused on the events of the day. It's full of richly developed characters and touching dialogue. I really enjoyed this book and I also thought the narrator had the perfect voice for this type of story.

Untethered was a really great historical fiction book about a Black woman running a group home for young Black boys while dealing with the stress of her twin brothers being lost at war. It touched so many different issues from self love, to grief, to childhood trauma to even a little ableism. I really enjoyed this book and I think anyone that loves historical fiction will love it too.

Katia: a young black woman that was the executive director of a group home for young black boys. When she loved you, she loved to and she gave you her all. Katis was like this with her family, her friends and the boys at the group. She invested all that she was into those that she loved in spite of what she was going through and what she needed.
Katia dealt with a number of issues surrounding her family, a gentleman caller, boys at the group home, most notably Chad and PeeWee, the board at the group home, and her brothers. Katia presented herself as the epitome of strong black beast womanhood in this work of historical fiction.
I must add that the narrator really made me want to continue and not press pause.
Thank you, let Netgalley and K. C. Mills for allowing me to read this ARC.

It’s a 10!

Untethered is a book hangover worthy read of all the feels. A book that captures your attention from the beginning to the end. And I cannot leave out the unforgettable emotional pull at your heartstring moments.

Historical Fiction at its finest. This is one for the books and definitely a favorite in my top 5 books of 2024.

Bonus for the audiobook. I am talking next-level enjoyment.

3.5 rounded up

Untethered is a thought-provoking exploration of faith, duty, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of a racially tense 1967 Alabama. Katia Daniels, the protagonist, has dedicated her life to caring for others—first her family, and now the boys at the Pike County Group Home. Her struggles with love, loss, and a deeply rooted sense of obligation unfold in a story filled with emotional depth and historical context.

While I appreciated the book’s focus on faith and its examination of trauma, I had trouble fully connecting with the characters and the narrative. The writing sometimes felt awkward, and the story lacked cohesion, which made it hard to stay engaged. Repetition throughout the book became frustrating, and despite the intriguing premise, the pacing often felt too slow.

That said, the novel shines in its portrayal of Katia’s resilience and the complexity of her relationships, particularly as she navigates her connection with Seth, a figure from her past. The narrative beautifully weaves together themes of faith and healing, lending the story an emotional weight that lingers.

Ultimately, while Untethered didn’t fully capture me, it’s a reflective read that touches on important topics. The audio version, narrated by Karen Murray was well done for the most part. Her voices for the children left a little to be desired. For those who appreciate historical fiction with introspective characters and a strong faith element, this novel might resonate more deeply.

** Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary review copy. The opinions are my own.

This review is for the audiobook, so let me start with the narrator.
Wow! The book is narrated by Karen Murray, and she does a phenomenal job! The characters have accents, they are male, female, and even children. There is also a child with a speech impediment. She provides voices for these various characters, and does so flawlessly! It's hard to believe it is one person narrating this book. 5 Stars to the Narrator!!

The book covers a time in history (mid-late 60s), during the Vietnam War. I have not read many books covering this era with Black characters. It was refreshing to delve into a story during this time period.
The main character, Katia, is a black woman in charge of the boys' home in a small town in the South. Along with the trials and tribulations of caring for boys that society looks down upon, she has her issues, including finding love and dealing with grief in her own family.
This story is multi-layered and kept my interest throughout the book.

The audiobook was very enjoyable, I listened to about 6 hours in one day. I was never bored, and the narrator kept me listening and involved. It will make you laugh, cry, and see there is hope.
Overall 4.5 Stars!

Thank you Harper Muse Audiobooks and Netgally for this audio ARC.

The 5 star book touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. The narrator brought this story to life for me. Katia is a social worker at a group home for boys in Alabama. She lives and breaths for the safety and well-being of the boys in her charge. I loved how no matter what, she fought for their rights to be loved and taken care of just like any other child while living with the fact that she is in her 40's and has not been able to have any of her own. Katia had her own personal and family struggles and at times she was burning the candle at both ends but she always had supper in everything she did.

I cant wait to get a physical copy for my shelf.

Angela Jackson - Brown once again pens us a raw honest story that shines a bit of light on a small snippet of history most of know very little about.

Katia Daniels is the director for Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys. Which in and of itself is hard enough, but then add in that it is the 60's and racial unrest has gripped the nation. The Foster care system is already a mess and then add prejudice to it and she is fighting an uphill battle for her boys.

With her own unique writing style, Jackson-Brown brings us a story that will grip you from the first. Your heart will ache for these boys that have been abandoned by their families for various reasons. As they all learn to navigate society, we as the readers will not only want to fight for them, we will find ourselves amazed that anyone could think so little of a fellow human.

Jackson-Brown does not pull any punches. She drops the problems of society, not only in the 60's, but also modern times right in our laps. She forces the reader to ask questions of themselves. Untethered is a must read for anyone looking for a well written book. full of characters that you will laugh with, cry over and grow to love.

Untethered is absolutely beautifully written. Katia runs a boys home with a loving heart and open mind but she always manages to maintain that professional line. Then thanksgiving comes and with it much heartbreak and a rekindling love connection.

Amazing representation of infertility, love, and hope through some of the hardest things in life. I adore this main character and related to her so much!

Set amidst the backdrop in 1967 in Troy, Alabama, Untethered follows Katia Daniels, who runs the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys while grappling with personal and professional challenges amid the Vietnam War.

Katia is a deeply compelling character whose resilience left a lasting impression. Her commitment to helping troubled boys succeed, despite the systemic racism of the time, and her desire to have children of her own, is both inspiring and heartbreaking. As she navigates the pressure of family responsibilities and the emotional turmoil of reconnecting with her high school crush, Seth, Katia learns the importance of opening up and leaning on others for support.

Angela Jackson-Brown’s writing is poignant and draws the reader into the lives of her characters. While the book touches on some difficult themes, it concludes beautifully. The inclusion of Nina Simone’s music, the escape into romance novels, the striking book cover, and Karen Murray's narration, which brings the characters to life, are additional highlights that made this book a truly enriching read.

Favorite Quote:
ᥫ᭡  "..I wish I could have been in your life then to take care of you.  If you'll have me, we'll figure out together if you want to be parents.  I learned from watching you with those boys at the group home that there are many ways to create a family.  But the first person I want to create a family with is you."

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher HarperCollins Focus and Harper Muse Audiobooks and the author Angela Jackson-Brown for the complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was so good and not your average romance. For one thing the MC is in her 40s and accomplished. I really loved that and I was here for her duality in the work place and home. I really appreciate that the author did not make it predictable and did not say away from all the aspects of the human experience during the 60s. There is hints of racism, angst, love, hardship, hope and anything else you can think of. I thought the main character was well fleshed out and her goals were solid sometimes when characters deny themselves good things it is annoying because it's so little in the grand sceme of problems, but the MCs issues were relatable and definitely valid. I wish there had been a bit more history woven into the story but that is just a small knit pick.

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.