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

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.

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.
#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #readersofinstagram #readersofig #readersofinsta #readmore #readmorebooks #booknerd #readeveryday #readeverything

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!

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!

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!

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.

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! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Angela Jackson Brown's work just keeps getting better. Set in 1967 in the small town of Troy, Alabama, Katia Daniels, unable to have kids of her own, pours her love into the boys at Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys. This story resonated deeply with me due to my own experiences with raising and loving a foster child. The emotional depth of the story, highlighting the neglect and abuse of two boys to whom she was particularly close, made it impossible not to become attached to the boys and admire Katia's immense heart for them.
Aside from looking after the boys, she also assumes the role of caregiver for her family. PTSD is another significant theme in the book, with her twin brothers missing in action during the Vietnam War. Katia has given up hope for a true romantic relationship, settling instead for a comfortable friendship with an older man. I was jumping for joy when her high school crush came back into her life. I was wildly rooting for them to become more than friends! Although the story has big moments of suspense and drama, it is really a story about love, not only for others but for oneself.

This beautifully written novel had some emotional moments that made me think I couldn’t continue, but I finished and am glad I did.

A heartbreaking story about family, love and self discovery set in Alabama during 1967 and the height of the Vietnam War.

Kate serves as the director at the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys when she learns her twin brother are MIA. As she grapples with the uncertainty of her brother's safety, she also struggles to care for and protect the boys in her care, especially Chad and Pewee.

My heart broke often while reading this novel but I think this is a powerful and moving reminder of the power of love and community.

Trigger Warnings: racism, child abuse, death, grief and loss, PTSD

Thank you Harper Muse for the ARC

Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown is a deeply moving exploration of family, identity, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. Jackson-Brown’s writing is poignant and vivid, capturing the complexities of the human experience with grace and authenticity. A powerful and thought-provoking read that will resonate long after the final page.

A heartwarmer-and a heartbreaker. Katia has devoted herself to the boys at the group home and she's especially fond of Chad and Peewee. Her twin brothers have gone MIA in Vietnam and she's, well a bit untethered as she worries about them and pushes off her mother's suggestions for a husband (who seems humorless at minimum but just wait). And then her brother Marcus comes home a shell of himself at almost the same time that Seth, the boy she tutored in high school, turns up to do work at the home. He's a veteran who has his own issues but he's devoted to helping other. Katia brings Chad and PeeWee home for Thanksgiving and it's wonderful until....no spoilers. This is a hard emotional read in spots that doesn't pull punches. If the epilogue seems like it ties things up too abruptly, that was still ok by me. Thanks to Netgalley for the ArC This is a good one.

Wow!! What a precious and beautiful story of care, hope, and resilience. This is the second novel I've read by this author and she continues to excel beyond an expectation I could have had. In this story, we meet Ms Katia who has a heart of gold which she has invested into running a home for negro boys, in 1967 Alabama. Amisdt all the challenges that come along withhaving a leadership role in an environment that is heavily dominated by men, she also has to content with the Child Services department and the lack of concern shown towards the overall well being of these boys. Here we meet two very precious boys in her care, Chad and Pee Wee, who see her as the mother they never hard. The story of these two boys werw very emotionally touching, and literally had me fighting back tears on sevearl occasion. Katia is also burdened by her own personal problems in her dating life, the question about her likelyhood to get married and have kids, as well as the trauma of having her twin brothers leave for war. Overall, this was a beautiful and heart wrenching series, and I have since purchased another book by the author to enjoy even more of her story telling skills. This was a very memorable read and I can't wait to see what she does next.

Untethered indeed. My emotions, that is, from this tragically beautiful book. I don’t know how you write this without tears falling on your computer keys or good old fashioned paper. The writing is exquisite; the development and depth - perfection. I love when a book doesn’t go my way and leaves me with so many uncomfortable feelings; life doesn’t always go the way we plan. This is a wonderful reminder of the strength and love in vulnerability and service to others. In the second chapter I literally said out loud “I like her” in reference to the main character. I wish she were in my corner of life. I absolutely cannot recommend this enough!

Untethered is a beautifully crafted exploration of identity, resilience, and the intricate tapestry of human relationships. From the very first page, her lyrical prose draws readers into a world that is both familiar and profoundly moving, as the protagonist navigates the complexities of her past while striving for an authentic future. Jackson-Brown's keen insight into the emotional landscapes of her characters makes them relatable and deeply human, with sharp, authentic dialogue that adds depth to their relationships. The pacing is expertly handled, balancing moments of tension and reflection, while vivid descriptions transport readers into the carefully constructed settings. Ultimately, "Untethered" is not just a story about personal growth; it is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of connection, reminding us that while we may feel untethered at times, it is through our relationships and experiences that we find our way back to ourselves. This poignant and inspiring read will resonate with anyone grappling with their sense of self and is a must-read for those seeking a heartfelt and thought-provoking journey. Highly recommended!

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.

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.

Untethered, is the perfect title for this book, everything about it is untethered and emotional. This book drew me in from the cover and the title alone and that's why I requested the arc. This book is tragically beautiful, informative and so incredibly accurate for so many. 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 found myself entirely immersed in her world. This is a wonderful reminder of the strength and love in vulnerability and service to others. If you are looking for a book that has themes of self-discovery and breaking free from past burdens that resonate powerfully. Then you need to pick up Untethered and if you're an emotional person you definitely will need your tissues. Every twist and turn were thoughtfully crafted, leaving me reflecting long after I finished this novel. It is a must-read for anyone who loves beautifully written, character-driven stories that touch the soul. This one is unforgettable and will stick with you as time goes on.

This was my first book by Mrs. Angela Jackson-Brown but it wont be my last, I love books that make you feel, and thank. Books that make you feel like youre living the situations, and lives with the characters on the pages with them.

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. Having acquired the ALC as well, I had the ability to tandem read and wrap myself within the storyline.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed this compelling read!

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 ARC provided.

This is my second book by this author and I enjoyed this book. I'm also getting comfortable with her writing style and her ability to turn a tragic story into a story of testimony and triumph. I'm glad that our FMC gets a happy ending to her story. I enjoyed the diverse characters and the historical aspects including the Vietnam War. This book is a reminder that we can't be everything for everyone and that we can't pour from an empty cup. Overall, this was a good solid story that I would recommend to others.

The title of this book is perfect because what makes Untethered especially memorable is its exploration of the idea of being "untethered"—of feeling disconnected from one’s past yet also yearning for the freedom that comes with forging a new path. This theme resonates deeply in today’s world, where many people feel the tension between how things have always been and personal growth. Angela Jackson-Brown’s writing is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into Zora's emotional landscape and making her struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal.

Overall, Untethered is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that tackles the issue of pouring from an empty cup with nuance and heart. Angela Jackson-Brown has crafted a story that not only entertains but also invites reflection on identity, belonging, and the human capacity for transformation. It is a compelling read that will stay with readers long after the final page.

Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown is a beautifully written and extremely moving historical fiction novel of love, loss, and family whether by blood or by choice. The story is set in a small college town in 1967, an era of social upheaval in the south, where racial tensions are still prevalent and the consequences of the Vietnam War are being felt at home. This is one emotionally charged tale and I felt completely immersed in the lives of the characters. The main protagonist, Katia, director of a group home for Black boys must balance her own desires and feelings with the heavy burden of responsibility while maintaining objectivity for her young charges as well as her obligations to her family. It was impossible not to care for her and hope she gets the beautiful life she deserves but it is perhaps two of her young charges, Pee Wee and Chad, who caused me to shed more than a few tears throughout. An intensely impactful read, one that will resonate with me for a very long time and one, I have no doubt, I will return to again and again.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Focus for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

A great story. A story of women. A story of the oldest daughter. A story of heartache. There are a lot of characters and moving parts but the story unfolds in a way that all you want is for everyone to be happy. Katia is a women that is taking care of everyone but herself and when someone comes along that wants to take care of her she finds it impossible because of her insecurities and heartache. The family dynamic consist of relatives and found family and the love is unmatched. The passion that Katie has for her work is a heavy burden and being untethered from it might be the only way for her to truly become the woman she desires to be. If you love historical fiction as much as I do give this a read.

Set in a small town in Alabama in 1967, Katia Daniels has a lifetime of responsibilities placed on her shoulders at such a young age. She’s reliable and relatable, consistently taking on responsibilities (whether she wants to or not) and leaving very little space for herself. She is the epitome of self-sacrificing, emptying yourself into others without pouring into yourself.

Being a Black woman is amazing, but it can absolutely be exhausting. Nothing shows you that like this story. Katia has been everything to everyone, and it has been burdensome. It made me think about how we are often made to be the strong ones, with very little to no opportunity to be vulnerable. And when we are showing our vulnerability, we must do it silently.

Still grieving the loss of her father, dealing with two brothers in the Vietnam War (one has returned, the other is still MIA), and being the executive director at the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys, taking care of young boys is a lot for anyone to deal with. At every turn, Katia had me wondering, “How does she do it?!” Not without great difficulty and immense sacrifice.

It's really hard to put what I felt in writing because it was such an emotional book. It was nice to read a story about a 40-year-old woman who doesn't have it all together. There were so many topics that were tackled that, at times, it was overwhelming but necessary.

Jackson-Brown tells this story in such a way that you can't help but root for Katia. Dealing with health issues, both mental and physical, Katia deserved a happy ending. This story was tragic, beautiful, haunting, tragically beautifully and beautifully haunting.

I'm always a bit excited when I get a chance to read the latest from an author with Indiana connections. Such is the case with Angela Jackson-Brown, an Associate Professor in the creative writing program at Indiana University in Bloomington who also teaches in the graduate program at the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing at Louisville's Spalding University.

I saw a reference to "Untethered" on a friend's social media page and knew I wanted to check it out. Just released this week by Harper Muse, "Untethered" introduces us to Katia Daniels, a longtime executive director of Troy, Alabama's Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys whose life has long been defined by the caregiver role for just about anyone and everyone around her. Our story is set in 1967, a couple of years after Bloody Sunday on the Edmund Pettus bridge. In theory, things are improving in the U.S.

In theory.

Jackson-Brown packs an awful lot of story into the pages of "Untethered," immersing us in the lives of people we come to care about like the young boys under Katia's guidance including the likes of Chad, Pee-Wee, and others.

While Katia tries to hold things together at Pike County despite an increasingly resistant and defiant board of directors, her own life seems to be a chaotic tapestry of unmet longings, a lack of genuine connection, and enough family strife to break the strongest soul.

Still, she perseveres.

With "Untethered," Jackson-Brown paints a poignant and often painful tapestry of a personal life that seems to reflect the uncertainties and upheaval of the surrounding world. Her ear for dialogue is remarkable - I could hear these conversations in my mind as I read along and often found myself envisioning the words of Katie, Mama, Marcus, Chad, Leon, Seth, and a host of others. I'm not about to tell you who these people are - you'll have to find that out for yourself.

"Untethered" presents a woman at her crossroads, the world around her changing ever so quickly and the demands of it all seemingly either going to break Katia or set her free.

There are moments of stunning intimacy here followed by moments of genuine suspense and fear.
Jackson-Brown seamlessly weaves in the magic we sometimes find in the smallest things - like the pages of romance novels, it's nurse romance novels for me, and the soothing melodies of Nina Simone. Jackson-Brown understands that relationships don't come easy and even friendships are hard when the world around you has always been unsettled and unpredictable.

Katia is a remarkable woman who doesn't quite realize that about herself, a woman whose soulful love is deep yet a woman relentlessly torn between deep commitment and responsibilities and a heart that craves so much more.

Everything here comes to life vibrantly and with a socially aware honesty that feels truthful, often quite painful, and yet always brimming with a sliver of light not too far removed from that light you always see when you hold a kaleidoscope up to the light.

A wonderful weaving together of familial bonds, cultural awareness, and faithfulness to the times, "Untethered" finds a masterful author immersing us into a world of love, family, self-discovery, and transformation that you won't soon forget.

When I read, I like to put on a playlist that is reminiscent of the span of the time in the book, so I put on an old school soul playlist to set the tone for this book. Honey, when I tell you I could not put this book down! Angela Jackson Brown weaves a gripping tale of family connections, love, and loss. The scenes are so vivid and thought-provoking, it makes you feel like you’ve been magically transported back in time. I absolutely fell in love with the Pee Wee character, I just wanted to bring him home with me! The part where her brother came home from Vietnam was like a gut punch for me, I remembered being a small child and one of my uncles was declared missing in action. While the book has some beautiful touching scenes in it, there is also an underlying tone of the gritty reality of drugs and racism, which was also well written. Some of the characters are so relatable (I absolutely love Katia’s mother) and you will love them just as I did. Others, I’d like to take a horsewhip to (Cobra and Lena).
Overall, I’d recommend this book to absolutely everyone!

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.

This was such a beautiful read with themes of love, strengths, honor, and value! Things in this novel reminded me so much of my Grandmother and the love she gave he world! Such a beautiful read!!

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ♾️/ 5.0 (I HIGHLY recommend)
𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: ♾️/ 5.0 (I HIGHLY recommend)

“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒘 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒗𝒖𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒌. 𝑰𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏.”

“…𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖…𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔, 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅.”

🄱🄾🄾🄺 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

Wow! I do not even know where to start! I enjoyed this book so much and it was so much more than I ever expected! This is my second read by Angela Jackson-Brown, and I AM A FAN!!

I just love her writing style, the way she builds her characters, the realism in her stories. I loved it all.

𝑼𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 is a heavy and emotional read but it is also a story of love, lost, and found family. In 𝑼𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅, we meet Katia Daniels who is the Executive Director at a group home for at risk boys. As of late, work has been overwhelming for her. At the beginning of the story, we find her at her wits end with this job. Will she have to quit work or will it even matter if she gets fired? In addition to her issues at work, Katia is lonely. Though she has her mom, her brothers are off at war and her “gentlemen caller,” who she really has no interest in, is not really fulfilling all of her needs. Katia wants more. She deserves more. But will she ever find true happiness?

This story took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I felt encouraged, and my heart filled with joy by the time it was all over. Angela Jackson-Brown knows how to draw the reader in and she builds a world that allows her readers to be fully immersed in the narrative. The setting of the story is the 1960s during the Vietnam War and the author did such an amazing job with the story that I was able to see and feel like I was there. I loved the musical references (i.e. Nina Simone) and I loved the feel of the small town and all of the other settings in the book.

In addition to her excelled world-building, Angela Jackson-Brown did a stellar job with her characters. Katia Daniels is my shero. Though life gave her rotten lemons, boy was she able to make some sweet lemonade. Katia was selfless, supporting, loving, strong, and a true inspiration to me. I just loved the way she stood up for her boys at the group home. She understood the racial dynamics and how, even though they were technically “kids,” society would see and treat them like men (seeing them as a threat). One of my favorite scenes in the book was when she defended Chad Montgomery (a young boy at the group home) against one of the counselors who was working at the group home. Katia was not afraid to stand up for him by letter the counselor know “I will not allow you or anyone else to disrupt their routine or their peach of mind…Neither your needs or the needs of the foster care system will ever supersede the needs of my boys.” Man, at this time, I was her biggest cheerleader, cheering “yes girl, you go girl, you better let her know not to mess with you and those boys!”

I wont spoil it too much but I have to say that I just LOVED the way Katia’s relationship with Seth Taylor was written. Again, I do not want to spoil it but it was a slow burn that was worth the payout! That man loved him some Katia and his patience, and understanding was so beautiful to watch. He gave her what she needed at the right time. He was her friend when she needed a friend, her strength when she had none and her protector when it was necessary. I just loved it all! There were so many times in the story that I wanted her to get out of her own way so she could find true happiness and I must say, I was over the moon happy with the ending we were given.

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this book! It is an inspirational, beautiful, love story (romantic & familial (found family as well) but it is also a story of self-love and self-worth.

🄰🅄🄳🄸🄾🄱🄾🄾🄺 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆: I had the opportunity to listen to the audio version of this story and I must say that the narrator Karen Murray did a phenomenal job bringing not only Katia but all of the characters to life. I especially loved her portrayal of Pee Wee.

🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
🌹Historical Fiction (Vietnam War)
🌹Found Family
🌹Black Love
🌹Second Chance at Love
🌹Mature Main Characters
🌹Mental Health Rep
🌹Plus Size Rep
🌹Infertility Rep
🌹Foster Care System Rep

🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂 🆃🅷🅰🆃 🆁🅴🆂🅾🅽🅰🆃🅴🅳 🆆🅸🆃🅷 🅼🅴
❤️ “Dear Creator, today I need mercy.”
❤️ “You deserve happiness, Katia. Large helpings of Happiness.”
❤️ “Integration didn’t equal fair treatment. “
❤️ “I am not my circumstances. Even when it feels like all hope is lost, I am still a winner.”
❤️ “Time will be the best healer.”
❤️ “Good things don’t just happen. We make things good by being intentional.”
❤️ “ He needs to tell his story to you and his sister. That is how we heal. Silence is what kills us slowly.”
❤️“I never should have accepted crumbs when I deserved the entire cake.”
❤️ “Life is too short, and death is too long for people to not be with the one they love.”
❤️ “Sometimes one broker person just needs to hear from another brother person.”
❤️ “We’re all looking for love and acceptance. Nobody is better than anybody else.”
❤️ “The last few months had forced me to acknowledge that I also needed to be vulnerable and taken care of sometimes, and needing those things didn’t make me weak. It merely made me human.”
❤️ “It’s okay for you to not be strong sometimes.”
❤️ “It means nothing to talk about God if we aren’t living godly lives.”
❤️ “I h-h-have more gr-gr-grannies…Gran is th-th-the main one but m-maybe it’s okay if I-I-I have more?”….”You deserve all the grannies and all the aunties there are…”
❤️ “Let yourself be happy, Katia, and don’t settle for less than what God has for you. Be brave. Just like He said.”
❤️ “I need you to pray like you have never prayed before.”
❤️ “I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me.”
❤️ “You don’t have to be okay with me…You can be as vulnerable as you need to be. I know this is a lot. You shouldn’t have had to go through this alone….Kat—I care about you.”
❤️ “My goal was always to encourage them to feel their feelings but also to figure how to harness those emotions into something that ultimately serve them in a positive way.”
❤️ “I did this because you need to be reminded of the legacy you’ve created.”
❤️ “…I have been working very hard not to fall in love with you…but in spite of my efforts, I fell hard.”
❤️ “You are kind and generous and unselfish and beautiful and sexy and thoughtful…”
❤️ “The blessings just kept pouring on me like summer rain.”

This is now my second book by Jackson-Brown (courtesy of Hear Our Voices) and the author always hooks me in with the messiness that is life of the FMC and weaves in such a poetic and well written story. Untethered follows this blueprint but somehow there is so much than unfolds here that knocked me off of my feet.

Our FMC Katia is a perfect example of the burdens that we as black women face consistently. We are looked at as “strong” and as the backbone of the family because we have to be. It’s not out of choice of out of sheer will to provide for our families needs whatever those may be. I know far too many women in my life that fit the archetype: my mom, aunts, and elders fall perfectly into this and it’s because it’s so ingrained in our society. The novel eloquently showcases why it’s important to divorce black women from this “ideal” of the superwoman mentality of having to burden all of them demands of the family PLUS our own struggles.
The parallels in my own life were impossible to miss, truly I was internally reflecting about my own decisions and why I am a peace maker in my own family as I read through this.

I struggle with how to put my thoughts into this review because it has so deeply impacted me. Untethered solidified Jackson-Brown as an auto buy author. This beautiful novel releases Tuesday, December 3, 2025.

Katia Daniels is the director of the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys in Troy, Alabama. The year is 1951 and she is in a constant battle with the system, to see her boys succeed, all while mourning the loss of her father. Katia takes a special interest in Chad and young Pee Wee. Then she received notice that her twin brothers are MIA in Vietnam.

The last thing that Katia is thinking about is falling in love, until her high school crush, Seth enters the scene. He is patient with her, there for her family and a stellar good dude. What is important to note is Seth is on a healing journey as well. I loved how he used his healing to help other veterans, who may have been suffering from PTSD.

Hands down, one of the best books I've read this year.

Trigger Warning: This book addresses several issues, including racism, loss, physical, mental and sexual abuse.

Occasionally I will read a book that so touches my heart that I'm almost afraid to share my thoughts for fear someone else won't feel the same way. Then my rational mind reminds me that the wonder of books is that there are so many great books, and when you love one, you should shout it from the mountains. I absolutely loved Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown. It is set in Troy, Alabama in 1967. The main character is Katia Daniel's, the Executive Director of the Pike County Group Home for Boys, Negro boys ages 8-16. Katia's love and commitment to the boys is the driving force in her life. She is 40 years old, single, lives with her Mama; her twin brothers Marcus and Aaron are serving in Vietnam. The storyline is so well crafted that I felt that I was living the story along with Katia. The love of and commitment to family made me yearn for simpler days, yet sadly the prejudice and fear Blacks in Alabama, and elsewhere experienced still exists today. One sentence really stuck with me, Katia was talking to a Black friend who was questioning the time he served in Vietnam; he lost his leg in service to the USA. She said: "Seth, being a Black person in this country ain't easy. We love America a whole lot more than it loves us, but it's the only country we've got. "
There is too much depth in this novel to adequately share it in a review; I could go on and on. Suffice to say, Untethered, made me laugh and cry. At one point I had to take a quick break just to compose myself. It tells a story of love, honor, disappointment, death, joy and the miracle of living one more day. Thank you very much to NetGalley, Harper Muse Publishing, and Angela Jackson-Brown for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Untethered, this review reflects my honest opinion. And to the author, Ms. Jackson-Brown, thank you for writing this wonderful book. 5 stars.

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.