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How Sweet It Is: Defending the American Dream
The first Black woman elected to statewide office in Virginia reveals in her memoir how her Christian faith, unwavering patriotism, and fervent commitment to conservative principles propelled her to serve and sacrifice for her country and a better future.
Winsome Earle-Sears sent shock waves across Virginia and the country at large when she pulled off her stunning upset victory in November 2021 and became the first woman lieutenant governor of Virginia and the first Black woman, the first naturalized female citizen, and first female veteran elected to statewide office. She earned intense national coverage because of her unwavering support for Second Amendment rights and her strong commitment to education opportunity for all students. Now in her memoir, How Sweet It Is , Winsome will tell her story and explain how she arrived at that historic moment in time.
A devout Christian, Winsome is also a true believer in the promise of the American Dream. Her father was approved to immigrate to the U.S.A. and left Jamaica, arriving in America on August 11, 1963, with only $1.75 in his pocket. Winsome joined him when she was just six years old, and ever since she has never ceased enthusiastically bucking conventions, defying expectations, and charging straight toward challenges.
Winsome’s remarkable story is one of faith and family, personal loss and perseverance, philanthropy and patriotism, service and sacrifice. But through it all, her Christian faith sustained her, drove her, and compelled her to give back to her community and her country. Her unyielding belief in the fundamental righteousness of America stands in stark opposition to the increasingly pervasive ideologies that are dividing the country. In How Sweet It Is , Winsome encourages Americans to never stop fighting for their country and shows them how to chart a new path forward.
Winsome Earle-Sears sent shock waves across Virginia and the country at large when she pulled off her stunning upset victory in November 2021 and became the first woman lieutenant governor of Virginia and the first Black woman, the first naturalized female citizen, and first female veteran elected to statewide office. She earned intense national coverage because of her unwavering support for Second Amendment rights and her strong commitment to education opportunity for all students. Now in her memoir, How Sweet It Is , Winsome will tell her story and explain how she arrived at that historic moment in time.
A devout Christian, Winsome is also a true believer in the promise of the American Dream. Her father was approved to immigrate to the U.S.A. and left Jamaica, arriving in America on August 11, 1963, with only $1.75 in his pocket. Winsome joined him when she was just six years old, and ever since she has never ceased enthusiastically bucking conventions, defying expectations, and charging straight toward challenges.
Winsome’s remarkable story is one of faith and family, personal loss and perseverance, philanthropy and patriotism, service and sacrifice. But through it all, her Christian faith sustained her, drove her, and compelled her to give back to her community and her country. Her unyielding belief in the fundamental righteousness of America stands in stark opposition to the increasingly pervasive ideologies that are dividing the country. In How Sweet It Is , Winsome encourages Americans to never stop fighting for their country and shows them how to chart a new path forward.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published August 22, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 15, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this memoir of the current lieutenant governor of Virginia. She is the first female to hold this title and her story is pretty remarkable.
She grew up in Jamaica and spent most of her teen years in New York. She found the education to be better in Jamaica however, and was appalled at the disrespect students had for teachers in the US and the lackadaisical approach kids had to school. (And this was in the 70’s!) Education was taken very seriously in her birth country.
In Jamaica she saw firsthand how communism economically destroyed her country and made life difficult for everyone. All the kids in her family were expected to move away and make something of their lives. Many of them worked in other countries and sent money back to the family in Jamaica to support them. She knew America was different and appreciated on a deep level the freedoms we have here.
She has endured A LOT in her life and she is one tough lady! She joined the Marines, was a single mom, held several elected positions, endured the death of her daughter, started a business and lost it due to Covid -to name a few. She’s never let setbacks defeat or define her.
She has a clear testimony of salvation, and I enjoyed her themes of faith throughout the book. She shared several visions she’s had which I believe correlate to her background. She currently attends an Assembly of God church and her hometown is only about 45 minutes from my house. I enjoyed all the references to cities I know and have visited/lived in.
I didn’t feel like the storyline was as smooth or polished as it could have been. She may have done all the writing herself without a ghost writer- which most politicians use.☺️
⚠️There were a couple words throughout.
⚠️ Mental illness and death.
🇺🇸 I have lived in Virginia for 9 years, and I think every Virginian should read this!!
📖 “Enabling failure is not love.”
📖 “Someone told me, ‘God is good. You won the election!’ But I knew that if I’d lost He would be the same. He is good. He simply is. I am his child. God is good whether you win or lose.”
📖 “God knows how to do the impossible. He specializes in the impossible. And with His help, I’ve been doing the impossible all my life.”
She grew up in Jamaica and spent most of her teen years in New York. She found the education to be better in Jamaica however, and was appalled at the disrespect students had for teachers in the US and the lackadaisical approach kids had to school. (And this was in the 70’s!) Education was taken very seriously in her birth country.
In Jamaica she saw firsthand how communism economically destroyed her country and made life difficult for everyone. All the kids in her family were expected to move away and make something of their lives. Many of them worked in other countries and sent money back to the family in Jamaica to support them. She knew America was different and appreciated on a deep level the freedoms we have here.
She has endured A LOT in her life and she is one tough lady! She joined the Marines, was a single mom, held several elected positions, endured the death of her daughter, started a business and lost it due to Covid -to name a few. She’s never let setbacks defeat or define her.
She has a clear testimony of salvation, and I enjoyed her themes of faith throughout the book. She shared several visions she’s had which I believe correlate to her background. She currently attends an Assembly of God church and her hometown is only about 45 minutes from my house. I enjoyed all the references to cities I know and have visited/lived in.
I didn’t feel like the storyline was as smooth or polished as it could have been. She may have done all the writing herself without a ghost writer- which most politicians use.☺️
⚠️There were a couple words throughout.
⚠️ Mental illness and death.
🇺🇸 I have lived in Virginia for 9 years, and I think every Virginian should read this!!
📖 “Enabling failure is not love.”
📖 “Someone told me, ‘God is good. You won the election!’ But I knew that if I’d lost He would be the same. He is good. He simply is. I am his child. God is good whether you win or lose.”
📖 “God knows how to do the impossible. He specializes in the impossible. And with His help, I’ve been doing the impossible all my life.”
August 27, 2023
Wow! Just wow! This is my Lieutenant Governor and she is an amazing woman. Her story is profound and such an inspiration. Read this today!
July 14, 2024
This is an autobiographical story about the woman who went from a childhood in Jamaica to being Lieutenant-Governor of the State of Virginia. She talks about struggles, bad choices, good choices, her stint in the U.S. Marines and lessons learned. She talks about family life. She speaks extensively about her faith in God and how He led her down the path she has chosen. She is passionate about education and the rights of parents. Her style of writing is strong and to-the-point. I was inspired by her story and her accomplishments. My favorite line from her book: "If you're willing to lose, then you can do anything."
September 14, 2025
Incredible origin story of the woman I admire most in Virginia politics. Must read for every Virginian in the political sphere and for anyone wanting to know more about the people we elect. Genuine, authentic, inspiring, American.
March 18, 2024
I loved reading Memoirs but despise rating them. The writing and timelines could've used some work. Overall, I enjoyed reading this.
May 11, 2024
Winsome Sears may be the most iconic and badass woman of the 21st century. Really enjoyed her book
February 28, 2024
I should start by saying that I do not like politics. I pay attention, begrudgingly.. I vote like a responsible citizen - but I get really frustrated with political conversation. I do however, love memoirs, I'm willing to read just about anybody's memoir, especially if their life and thoughts are wildly different from mine - so I hit enough buttons to enter the giveaway on this book and it showed up at my door. So I read it.
I appreciate that Winsome Earle-Sears seems to be a genuine person who really is trying to help the people of her chosen country have a better life. And I would be very interested to have a conversation with her over tea. But no, she didn't win me over to the Republican party (I don't believe that was her goal in writing the book).
I did not care for the writing of the book. There were very few dates along the story line to let us know where we were in the timeline. And the storytelling itself seemed a little disconnected in points - like she threw in musings wherever she wanted, whether it made said to what she was just talking about. I do not like that she praised Trump's presidency (nobody cares that he did maybe 3 productive things for the country when he literally tried starting a second civil war, among other atrocious things) and one of the only negative thing she said about him was that she does not wish to see him run in 2024 - at least she said that part out loud, I guess. I do not like that she was so accusatory of the Democratic party and all their hate and vitriol, but failed to mention that the Republic party sows the same seeds.
It felt like she was being so careful of her words (and I get that as a politician you have to be) not to offend the Republic people, because they are likely the only ones who are going to read the book. But she speaks so heavily about her letting God lead her, her words, her actions, her thoughts.... But in her writing, in her stories, in the specific words she chose - it feels like she chickened out in telling the whole truth, in claiming all of her story and telling it.
Some kernels of wisdom to keep in my back pocket, so not a total waste. But it was kind of an annoying read to get through and I will not be reading it again.
Thank you Goodreads, the publishers of Center Street, and Winsome Earle-Sears for my free giveaway copy.
I appreciate that Winsome Earle-Sears seems to be a genuine person who really is trying to help the people of her chosen country have a better life. And I would be very interested to have a conversation with her over tea. But no, she didn't win me over to the Republican party (I don't believe that was her goal in writing the book).
I did not care for the writing of the book. There were very few dates along the story line to let us know where we were in the timeline. And the storytelling itself seemed a little disconnected in points - like she threw in musings wherever she wanted, whether it made said to what she was just talking about. I do not like that she praised Trump's presidency (nobody cares that he did maybe 3 productive things for the country when he literally tried starting a second civil war, among other atrocious things) and one of the only negative thing she said about him was that she does not wish to see him run in 2024 - at least she said that part out loud, I guess. I do not like that she was so accusatory of the Democratic party and all their hate and vitriol, but failed to mention that the Republic party sows the same seeds.
It felt like she was being so careful of her words (and I get that as a politician you have to be) not to offend the Republic people, because they are likely the only ones who are going to read the book. But she speaks so heavily about her letting God lead her, her words, her actions, her thoughts.... But in her writing, in her stories, in the specific words she chose - it feels like she chickened out in telling the whole truth, in claiming all of her story and telling it.
Some kernels of wisdom to keep in my back pocket, so not a total waste. But it was kind of an annoying read to get through and I will not be reading it again.
Thank you Goodreads, the publishers of Center Street, and Winsome Earle-Sears for my free giveaway copy.
September 21, 2023
Earle-Sears is a powerhouse, a woman who embodies empathy, fastidiousness, tenacity, pride, and grace. Her book, however, was clearly transcribed from interviews without a good ghostwriter's graceful reshaping of words and phrasing for succinctness, brevity, and order. Had it been left in its interview state, then the book could have stood apart. This hatchet job on Earle-Sears' life will likely end up in the bargain bin, truly a tragedy for her story of immigrant to lieutenant governor of Virginia deserves to be known.
December 13, 2024
In a sane world, the Democrats would love her instead of trying to destroy her.
Wow. Amazing person. Story of how she grew up in Jamaica, came to America, and most recently became Lt. Governor of Virginia….a black female from Jamaica in the capital of the Confederacy. She tells some stories of how as a republican, she was bitterly opposed by other blacks. The amount of faith she has in G D is amazing and inspirational. If we were smarter as a people, we would elect more people like her to office.
Wow. Amazing person. Story of how she grew up in Jamaica, came to America, and most recently became Lt. Governor of Virginia….a black female from Jamaica in the capital of the Confederacy. She tells some stories of how as a republican, she was bitterly opposed by other blacks. The amount of faith she has in G D is amazing and inspirational. If we were smarter as a people, we would elect more people like her to office.
January 20, 2025
I enjoyed learning Winsome's life story that is indeed one of many unusual turns, often through tragic territory, and she has shown resilience through it all. Her perseverance is a motivator for me.
I would say that the writing style is simple and easy to read. Just what the doctor ordered these days. I realize deeper dives into Winsome's mindset would have made this book even more engaging, but I am glad to have gotten to experience the tenacity of Virgnia's Lieutenant Governor.
I would say that the writing style is simple and easy to read. Just what the doctor ordered these days. I realize deeper dives into Winsome's mindset would have made this book even more engaging, but I am glad to have gotten to experience the tenacity of Virgnia's Lieutenant Governor.
September 11, 2023
I am so proud she is our Lt. Gov.!!
October 3, 2023
I have always enjoyed reading biographies and autobiographies. I think Winsome Spears is inspiring and brave. It was nice to learn more about her and I hope she has continued success.
December 31, 2023
Her decisions are grounded in prayer. She understands what it means to represent it all. What a strong woman.
September 20, 2024
Winsome Earle-Sears is a formidable individual, and this is her life story in her words. I found it interesting and frequently inspiring. I would have appreciated more political discussion.
April 7, 2025
Mostly nonsense. A few good laughs towards the end.
I read this book cover to cover and I still don’t know what the title has to do with the subject matter.
I read this book cover to cover and I still don’t know what the title has to do with the subject matter.
October 8, 2025
Didn’t love the writing style AT ALL- took me so long to slog through BUT…I LOVED getting to know Winsome. Her story is incredible, and her love for the Lord is so evident.
November 6, 2025
It’s a shame that someone who has had an interesting life could write such a boring account of it.
October 9, 2023
Winsome Sears is a rockstar! I had never heard of Winsome Sears until she spoke after victory in the Virginia elections in 2021. I stumbled over this book in Barnes and Noble and glad I did. Her story, struggles, work, principles, humor, and get it done work ethic is so inspiring. Encourage all to read/listen.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews