Untethered

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.
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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.