This novel beautifully weaves together themes of good music, reproductive health issues faced by Black women, trauma, and the desire for family and love.

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

I absolutely loved Katia's story and listening to the audio made it even better! the narrator made the story feel so real and I fell involve with the characters. It was heartbreaking and liberating all in one. The love Katia had for those boys was unmatched and the way she was so selfless while mentally dealing with her own emotions was eye opening. The Journey this book took me on I could not stop reading/listening to it I literally finished it within 2 days. I loved the way the story showed her endurance and perseverance in a time where it was not only hard for African Americans but for African American women especially. This is a story that needs to be read and I absolutely can not wait until it is published so I can purchase a copy. Thank you to the publishers and Neutrally for the opportunity to review this untethered and give my honest opinion. I finished this book yesterday and can not stop thinking about it!!!

This was such a precious and well narrated story! The narrator's portrayal of emotions were so intense and well communicated that I was almost brought to tears a few times throughout this book. Her voice was very well suited to this novel and made m reading experience exponentially better.

A different kind of historical fiction, focusing solely on a group-home for black boys (USA 1967), it followed the director and 2 boys residing there.

This book was everything I wanted it to be and more!
The characters felt very authentic and believable.
The plot was engaging and very emotional.
The writing was solid and hooked me in right from the start.

The main character, Katia, was easy to root for. She balanced devastating personal events with the difficult job of being physically, mentally and emotionally present for the boys in her care.

The book highlighted the struggles of kids who ended up in the system combined for various reasons combined with racial issues.
As a non-american, I didn't know how prevalent segregation was still is that far into the 60s, that aspect of the book was very eye opening.


The story was heartbreaking yet full of hope.


The book is out 3rd of Dec 2024.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the audio-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this.

I’m not necessarily a big Historical Fiction reader but this one really slapped. All the feelings… I teared up. I gasped in shock. I was angry and overall felt the love these humans had for one another.

Set in Alabama, 1967; this story follows Katia Daniels who runs Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys, is caretaker for her mother and younger twin brothers (who are currently fighting in the Vietnam war). Kind of read like life happening not necessarily super plot-y… overall a touching story of woman torn between immense responsibilities and choosing the dreams she longs for.

The audio was great.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Focua for an alc.

Audiobook Review 🎧 | NetGalley ALC

This is my favourite read this year!

The audiobook was perfect 👌🏾 Karen Murray did a great job with this book and had me sobbing at times.

I think it’s refreshing to have stories about women that are in their 40s and older. Women who don’t conform in what society envision women do be looking like or doing in their 40s.

The aspects around being the first born woman and the pressure that comes with it. Parentification of children who should’ve just stayed children a little longer.

The undeniably challenging aspect of working in the foster care system.

How with community, love and care things can change for the better.

How black women deserve love, black women deserve joy, black women deserve care, black women deserve support and rest.

Yes black people deal with a lot of trauma and challenges but we also experience joy and happily ever after.

This book is about hope.

“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”

My rating system:
Narration: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Entertainment: 5/5
Emotions: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Harpercollins focus for providing an advanced listener copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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.

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.

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.

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.

🌹 🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 🌹
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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.