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This Ain't No Promised Land
No matter how far you run, you can't escape yourself--or outrun the love of God
When her husband dies, Charlotte can't face the things she's done, things that could tear her family apart. So she drops a goodbye letter in the cookie jar and flees south to escape everything--her life, her three daughters, the mistakes she's made, and the secrets that have been eating her alive. She's desperate to find the peace she's looking for somewhere out there.
Now Gracey and her sisters are alone on Chicago's South Side with nothing but their home and their belongings, not a parent to be seen. They're doing everything they can to stay together as a family. But three young girls--sixteen, fourteen, and twelve--aren't meant to parent themselves. The close-knit community gathers around them to keep them fed and clothed with the utilities on, but it isn't enough. The girls are struggling and making destructive decisions as a way of coping with abandonment.
Hundreds of miles away, Charlotte is trying to keep her own head above water. She's made a close friend who talks to her about God in a way Charlotte's never heard before. But when her demons catch up to her, she must face her past head-on. Will she be able to find the courage to embrace motherhood? And will that be enough not to lose her family altogether?
Debut author Tina Shelton drops readers straight into 1980s South Side Chicago. Her raw, authentic writing welcomes those who are willing to come alongside characters dealing with generational trauma, abandonment, hidden abuse, destructive choices, and the desire to be set free. This Ain't No Promised Land will appeal to readers of Black Cake , Miss Pearly's Girls, and Michelle Obama's Becoming.
When her husband dies, Charlotte can't face the things she's done, things that could tear her family apart. So she drops a goodbye letter in the cookie jar and flees south to escape everything--her life, her three daughters, the mistakes she's made, and the secrets that have been eating her alive. She's desperate to find the peace she's looking for somewhere out there.
Now Gracey and her sisters are alone on Chicago's South Side with nothing but their home and their belongings, not a parent to be seen. They're doing everything they can to stay together as a family. But three young girls--sixteen, fourteen, and twelve--aren't meant to parent themselves. The close-knit community gathers around them to keep them fed and clothed with the utilities on, but it isn't enough. The girls are struggling and making destructive decisions as a way of coping with abandonment.
Hundreds of miles away, Charlotte is trying to keep her own head above water. She's made a close friend who talks to her about God in a way Charlotte's never heard before. But when her demons catch up to her, she must face her past head-on. Will she be able to find the courage to embrace motherhood? And will that be enough not to lose her family altogether?
Debut author Tina Shelton drops readers straight into 1980s South Side Chicago. Her raw, authentic writing welcomes those who are willing to come alongside characters dealing with generational trauma, abandonment, hidden abuse, destructive choices, and the desire to be set free. This Ain't No Promised Land will appeal to readers of Black Cake , Miss Pearly's Girls, and Michelle Obama's Becoming.
312 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2024
11 people are currently reading
3614 people want to read
About the author
Tina Shelton
32 books23 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 25, 2024
Tina Shelton doesn't mince words, she takes two heartbreaking stories and blends them incredibly well with the love of the Lord. A story of a lost woman, seeking forgiveness and closure to right a wrong in her past. A mother who leaves her children and runs away after her husband dies. And it's also a story of a young girl who has lost her mother, lost hope that she is ever going to come back and trying to cling to what she has in the present.
Each character in the story had to go through their own journey and hardship to get back to the love of Jesus. This Ain't No Promised Land touches on tough topics of rape and abuse, but I felt the author did really well with the topics in the book.
I loved how the story ended, I felt like it was a real ending that could happen in anyone's life. Such a beautiful redemption story mixed with finding new found faith.
For fans of One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia.
Thank you to JustReadTours for a complimentary copy of this book to read and review, all thoughts are my own.
Each character in the story had to go through their own journey and hardship to get back to the love of Jesus. This Ain't No Promised Land touches on tough topics of rape and abuse, but I felt the author did really well with the topics in the book.
I loved how the story ended, I felt like it was a real ending that could happen in anyone's life. Such a beautiful redemption story mixed with finding new found faith.
For fans of One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia.
Thank you to JustReadTours for a complimentary copy of this book to read and review, all thoughts are my own.
March 10, 2024
This was a really heartfelt coming of age novel about three sisters and a mother who are all searching for who they are, and how to start over after the peacemaker in the family passes away unexpectedly. The title of this book also just fits everything this story has to tell. After the death of her husband, Charlotte has no idea how to proceed in life. Moses kept the family running, the girls in line and peace in the house. The peace has gone out of the house and when Charlotte makes an unfathomable decision, the three girls find themselves raising themselves. As signs emerge, the community quietly does what it can to step up and help them where they can but when the oldest, Joanna gets herself in a situation that will be impossible for the three of them to continue on their own. Their grandmother agrees to take them in, so off the girls head to Mississippi unsure of what awaits them and carrying a lot of anger for being forced to leave the only place they have ever known. But sometimes going back to where it all began is what needs to happen to right things in life again. This story had so much depth and so many storylines that just kept adding to the story and characters. I really enjoyed the girls and am looking forward to more by this author. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. Thank you to JustRead Tours for the invite.
March 18, 2024
Whew—this was one heavy but hope-filled story, y’all!
The story takes place in the late 80s and tells the story of women from three generations—Iona, her daughter Charlotte, and Charlotte’s three teenaged daughters. The story is told from a dual POV perspective—that of Charlotte and her middle daughter, Gracey.
After Charlotte’s husband dies, she’s left to face life and parenting alone—a task she doesn’t feel equipped for or worthy enough to do. She believes her girls would be better off without her, so she leaves them a goodbye letter and moves to Savannah to start fresh. But the secrets she’s holding on to end up splitting her wide open and with the wise counsel of a new friend, she faces the pain she tried to escape by leaving.
Meanwhile, Gracey and her sisters are left to fend for themselves on the south side of Chicago. They are confused and afraid, but resilient and determined to stick together and care for themselves. But when their plans are foiled, what will become of them?
This story was messy, gritty, and heartbreaking in many ways. It told the tale of what happens when trauma remains unhealed; how it impacts future generations—not through curses as some would have you to believe, but through decisions and behaviors that impact the ability to parent well.
I love that faith was woven throughout, even though it felt like undiscipled, unlearned faith. It was the raw, “I don’t know You like I should, but I trust You” kind of faith. I also appreciated the threads of hope laced throughout.
If you enjoy a character-driven story with elements of coming of age and redemption, check this one out. There are certainly trigger warnings, but giving them would ruin the story. Just know that it was hard and messy, but endearing and beautiful.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The story takes place in the late 80s and tells the story of women from three generations—Iona, her daughter Charlotte, and Charlotte’s three teenaged daughters. The story is told from a dual POV perspective—that of Charlotte and her middle daughter, Gracey.
After Charlotte’s husband dies, she’s left to face life and parenting alone—a task she doesn’t feel equipped for or worthy enough to do. She believes her girls would be better off without her, so she leaves them a goodbye letter and moves to Savannah to start fresh. But the secrets she’s holding on to end up splitting her wide open and with the wise counsel of a new friend, she faces the pain she tried to escape by leaving.
Meanwhile, Gracey and her sisters are left to fend for themselves on the south side of Chicago. They are confused and afraid, but resilient and determined to stick together and care for themselves. But when their plans are foiled, what will become of them?
This story was messy, gritty, and heartbreaking in many ways. It told the tale of what happens when trauma remains unhealed; how it impacts future generations—not through curses as some would have you to believe, but through decisions and behaviors that impact the ability to parent well.
I love that faith was woven throughout, even though it felt like undiscipled, unlearned faith. It was the raw, “I don’t know You like I should, but I trust You” kind of faith. I also appreciated the threads of hope laced throughout.
If you enjoy a character-driven story with elements of coming of age and redemption, check this one out. There are certainly trigger warnings, but giving them would ruin the story. Just know that it was hard and messy, but endearing and beautiful.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
March 23, 2024
This story of children trying to face life on their own, after being abandoned by their mom… well it really pulled on my heart strings.
So much of difficult times. Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and trying to go on.
And then the Mom’s side of things… so many hard things she, too, faced!
The more I read, the more I grew to love these people. This story is down to earth and real. It’s one of those that grips you way down deep and hangs on.
This is not an easy read, so I don’t know if I’d recommend it for young readers… but it is very thought provoking.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
So much of difficult times. Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and trying to go on.
And then the Mom’s side of things… so many hard things she, too, faced!
The more I read, the more I grew to love these people. This story is down to earth and real. It’s one of those that grips you way down deep and hangs on.
This is not an easy read, so I don’t know if I’d recommend it for young readers… but it is very thought provoking.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
March 21, 2024
This book tackles some difficult questions and situations! My heart went out to all the characters, with the variety of struggles they faced. Charlotte is struggling with grief and shame over past choices, while her girls struggle with abandonment and the loss of their family. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of tying their stories together and writing from different perspectives, to show what was going on with a couple of the characters. While I was quite young and don't remember a lot about the late 80's, I thought it was interesting to read more about that time frame. This is an interesting, thought provoking book that does a wonderful job of tackling difficult subjects!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
March 20, 2024
In “This Ain’t No Promised Land,” young Gracey, a first-person narrator, reveals her challenging life in Chicago’s South Side during the 1980s, where normalcy disappears when her loving dad dies, her grandma moves away, and her mom leaves her and her two sisters to fend for themselves.
Gracey’s point of view immediately pulls me into this story. The way she interprets her circumstances, emotions, and the world around her, and how she voices her thoughts has me totally captivated. Although my young life was very different from Gracey’s, I can relate to her experiences and the dynamics of her and her sisters on an instinctual level. What an incredibly fascinating and unforgettable character!
All the characters are well-developed and interesting. Gracie is the middle child and more sensible and levelheaded than her sisters. Joanna, two years older than Gracie, is moody and somewhat distant. And the younger sister Frankie is a very young twelve-year-old, and softer and sadder than the other two.
A few chapters in and we hear the story from Gracey’s mother view. Who knew I could empathize with and feel for a mother who abandoned her family! Her wounds run deep.
Tempted to rush through the pages because I was eager for this family to reunite, reconcile, and find redemption, I held back so I could savor each element of faith, love, and hope because I didn’t want to leave these characters. I especially savored the beautiful and raw components of faith.
This is a highly evocative, heart-gripping, and gritty coming-of-age tale that I won’t soon forget. I lived in a different life while reading this book, and its unlikely the memories of these unforgettable people will ever fade!
First Line: My mom was the opposite of Clair Huxtable.
Genre: Christian African American fiction, Women’s fiction
Author: Tina Shelton
Page Count: 312
Content: There are possible triggers, but they are addressed in a justified and sensitive way.
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
A 2024 Fav♡rite
Gracey’s point of view immediately pulls me into this story. The way she interprets her circumstances, emotions, and the world around her, and how she voices her thoughts has me totally captivated. Although my young life was very different from Gracey’s, I can relate to her experiences and the dynamics of her and her sisters on an instinctual level. What an incredibly fascinating and unforgettable character!
All the characters are well-developed and interesting. Gracie is the middle child and more sensible and levelheaded than her sisters. Joanna, two years older than Gracie, is moody and somewhat distant. And the younger sister Frankie is a very young twelve-year-old, and softer and sadder than the other two.
A few chapters in and we hear the story from Gracey’s mother view. Who knew I could empathize with and feel for a mother who abandoned her family! Her wounds run deep.
Tempted to rush through the pages because I was eager for this family to reunite, reconcile, and find redemption, I held back so I could savor each element of faith, love, and hope because I didn’t want to leave these characters. I especially savored the beautiful and raw components of faith.
This is a highly evocative, heart-gripping, and gritty coming-of-age tale that I won’t soon forget. I lived in a different life while reading this book, and its unlikely the memories of these unforgettable people will ever fade!
First Line: My mom was the opposite of Clair Huxtable.
Genre: Christian African American fiction, Women’s fiction
Author: Tina Shelton
Page Count: 312
Content: There are possible triggers, but they are addressed in a justified and sensitive way.
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
A 2024 Fav♡rite
March 19, 2024
Disclosure: I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours. Opinions expressed are my own.
Warning: The Content Notes section contains spoilers. I feel these are necessary as potential “trigger” warnings.
Scripture Connection
"In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:8
"I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustains me"
Psalm 3:5
For this novel, I paired the two verses (which I think I’d been conflating in my head), which speak to God’s presence. For me, they are a reminder that He is with us both waking and sleeping, and the novel overflows with the message that God is constantly with us.
Spiritual Themes
The title, "This Ain’t No Promised Land," is of course an allusion to the land of Canaan. And what a fitting title it is! During the forty years that the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, they were never alone and God always provided. That’s exactly what we see in Shelton’s novel. The characters experience great hardship, but there’s a deep, pervasive thread about God watching over them, through it all.
The book also has a powerful thread about love and fear and how fear gets in the way of love (see 1 John 4).
What I Liked
I’ve been wanting to read This Ain’t No Promised Land for awhile, and it exceeded my expectations. Tina Shelton’s debut novel is fantastic. I could see her becoming one of my favorite authors. While some books have a “Hallmark-style” feel, This Ain’t No Promised Land reminded me of one of my very favorite shows: Touched by an Angel.
The number one thing that stood out to me, as I read, was the beautiful mixture of pain and hope, grief and beauty. The book’s synopsis made it clear that this would be a more serious read, so I was prepared for that. When a book is serious, I know that there’ll be a bit of slogging through the hard parts, and I eagerly anticipate the redemptive payoff—the beautiful moment that makes it all worth it. Usually, I don’t get that payoff until the end of the story.
I’m so happy to note that this was not the case with This Ain’t No Promised Land, which infuses hope and truth, throughout. The idea of God’s presence in the midst of hardship pervades the entirety of the story. There are sweet lines throughout about God being with us (which is exactly what the name of His Son means).
Pacing
Shelton’s pacing is excellent! At the beginning of the story, I noted the skillful exposition: Shelton unrolls the back story while also unfurling the action. I was impressed with how she managed to accomplish both things at the same time.
The shifts in perspective and time period also kept my attention, throughout. I read the bulk of the book in one day, and had a lot of trouble putting it down.
Characterization
Characters are nuanced and realistic. Narration is believable—it feels like I’m talking to two real women. Wrong actions are not excused, but we are given greater insight into characters’ motives, through their backstories and personal journeys.
I also thought that it was an interesting twist to see the middle sister step up as a parental figure for the older and younger. This is something I don’t typically see explored in fiction.
Writing
The writing itself is simply gorgeous. Meaningful analogies flow with the text, contributing to the novel’s themes, without feeling forced in. These connections, and the skill of the narration, lend to the novel’s literary qualities.
In addition to being believable in their voices, the two narrators are interesting foils for one another. While Charlotte can be compared to her oldest daughter, Joanna, middle-child Gracey may be a little more like her grandma (Charlotte’s mom). It’s also interesting to see their different understandings of faith and interpretations of God’s presence (or lack thereof) in hard times).
Discussion of Racism
Discussion of racism is powerfully-presented, woven seamlessly into the narrative.
Content Notes (SPOILERS)
As mentioned in the publisher’s synopsis, parental abandonment plays a significant role in the plot.
This book does deal with some
There’s also a brief discussion between sisters about sex, which compares intimacy to scratching a mosquito bite.
Last, there are just a few instances of the Lord’s name that I read as colloquial.
Recommendation Status
This Ain’t No Promised Land is an absolute masterpiece. Shelton’s debut novel overflows with beauty: a beautiful message conveyed through strong, beautiful prose. While there is some content to be aware of, this is a title that I’m highly, highly recommending.
Warning: The Content Notes section contains spoilers. I feel these are necessary as potential “trigger” warnings.
Scripture Connection
"In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:8
"I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustains me"
Psalm 3:5
For this novel, I paired the two verses (which I think I’d been conflating in my head), which speak to God’s presence. For me, they are a reminder that He is with us both waking and sleeping, and the novel overflows with the message that God is constantly with us.
Spiritual Themes
The title, "This Ain’t No Promised Land," is of course an allusion to the land of Canaan. And what a fitting title it is! During the forty years that the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, they were never alone and God always provided. That’s exactly what we see in Shelton’s novel. The characters experience great hardship, but there’s a deep, pervasive thread about God watching over them, through it all.
The book also has a powerful thread about love and fear and how fear gets in the way of love (see 1 John 4).
What I Liked
I’ve been wanting to read This Ain’t No Promised Land for awhile, and it exceeded my expectations. Tina Shelton’s debut novel is fantastic. I could see her becoming one of my favorite authors. While some books have a “Hallmark-style” feel, This Ain’t No Promised Land reminded me of one of my very favorite shows: Touched by an Angel.
The number one thing that stood out to me, as I read, was the beautiful mixture of pain and hope, grief and beauty. The book’s synopsis made it clear that this would be a more serious read, so I was prepared for that. When a book is serious, I know that there’ll be a bit of slogging through the hard parts, and I eagerly anticipate the redemptive payoff—the beautiful moment that makes it all worth it. Usually, I don’t get that payoff until the end of the story.
I’m so happy to note that this was not the case with This Ain’t No Promised Land, which infuses hope and truth, throughout. The idea of God’s presence in the midst of hardship pervades the entirety of the story. There are sweet lines throughout about God being with us (which is exactly what the name of His Son means).
Pacing
Shelton’s pacing is excellent! At the beginning of the story, I noted the skillful exposition: Shelton unrolls the back story while also unfurling the action. I was impressed with how she managed to accomplish both things at the same time.
The shifts in perspective and time period also kept my attention, throughout. I read the bulk of the book in one day, and had a lot of trouble putting it down.
Characterization
Characters are nuanced and realistic. Narration is believable—it feels like I’m talking to two real women. Wrong actions are not excused, but we are given greater insight into characters’ motives, through their backstories and personal journeys.
I also thought that it was an interesting twist to see the middle sister step up as a parental figure for the older and younger. This is something I don’t typically see explored in fiction.
Writing
The writing itself is simply gorgeous. Meaningful analogies flow with the text, contributing to the novel’s themes, without feeling forced in. These connections, and the skill of the narration, lend to the novel’s literary qualities.
In addition to being believable in their voices, the two narrators are interesting foils for one another. While Charlotte can be compared to her oldest daughter, Joanna, middle-child Gracey may be a little more like her grandma (Charlotte’s mom). It’s also interesting to see their different understandings of faith and interpretations of God’s presence (or lack thereof) in hard times).
Discussion of Racism
Discussion of racism is powerfully-presented, woven seamlessly into the narrative.
Content Notes (SPOILERS)
As mentioned in the publisher’s synopsis, parental abandonment plays a significant role in the plot.
This book does deal with some
There’s also a brief discussion between sisters about sex, which compares intimacy to scratching a mosquito bite.
Last, there are just a few instances of the Lord’s name that I read as colloquial.
Recommendation Status
This Ain’t No Promised Land is an absolute masterpiece. Shelton’s debut novel overflows with beauty: a beautiful message conveyed through strong, beautiful prose. While there is some content to be aware of, this is a title that I’m highly, highly recommending.
March 19, 2024
Life isn’t perfect, but Gracey, Francine, and Joanna know they are loved. Their mother is quiet and withdrawn, their grandmother is tart and abrasive, and their father – well, he fixes everything. When he dies unexpectedly, it rocks their world. Then their grandmother moves back to Mississippi. And when they come home from school to find their mother gone and a letter saying goodbye, they find themselves unexpectedly adrift. Their community does what they can to support the girls, but Joanna makes a choice that forces a change.
Charlotte’s mother has always been hard on her, always assumed the worst about her daughter. So when Charlotte makes a mistake in a moment of passion, her mother tells her that mistake will follow her forever. And when her husband dies with the wrong unconfessed, Charlotte can’t bear the guilt any longer. She slips the bonds of family and flees to Savannah, where she doesn’t know a soul, to just disappear. She thinks her girls will be better off without her. But the past has a way of finding you out.
Tina Shelton gives us a beautiful coming of age story here. Charlotte is an adult, but she still has some maturing to do. Her daughters are all under the age of 18 and struggling to find their way with minimal adult guidance. They’ve all got to grow up. We see the story unfold in two timelines, and Shelton moves seamlessly between the two, weaving them together masterfully.
The events of the story are compelling. My heart just hurt for the girls. They lost not only their parents, but the only home they’d ever known. They were understandably angry and upset. And I felt for Charlotte, too. Sure, she made her own mess. But she didn’t have a mother she could talk to and work through things with. She was left to handle her own problems, and she simply couldn’t cope. She could see where her friend Candi could stand to make changes, but couldn’t unravel her own issues. Those emotions are something we can all relate to, even if not in the same situations as Shelton’s characters.
Shelton tells a tale of difficulty and heartache, to be sure, but she also infuses it with hope and the promise of better things to come, much like the biblical story of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. That thread of hope is what kept me turning the pages. I desperately wanted to see some reconciliation for Charlotte, Gracey, Francine, and Joanna. I wanted to see beauty come from ashes. (Does it? Go get the book and read for yourself – no spoilers here.)
Tina Shelton has earned a place on my authors to watch list with her debut novel. I can’t wait to see what stories she has yet to tell!
Charlotte’s mother has always been hard on her, always assumed the worst about her daughter. So when Charlotte makes a mistake in a moment of passion, her mother tells her that mistake will follow her forever. And when her husband dies with the wrong unconfessed, Charlotte can’t bear the guilt any longer. She slips the bonds of family and flees to Savannah, where she doesn’t know a soul, to just disappear. She thinks her girls will be better off without her. But the past has a way of finding you out.
Tina Shelton gives us a beautiful coming of age story here. Charlotte is an adult, but she still has some maturing to do. Her daughters are all under the age of 18 and struggling to find their way with minimal adult guidance. They’ve all got to grow up. We see the story unfold in two timelines, and Shelton moves seamlessly between the two, weaving them together masterfully.
The events of the story are compelling. My heart just hurt for the girls. They lost not only their parents, but the only home they’d ever known. They were understandably angry and upset. And I felt for Charlotte, too. Sure, she made her own mess. But she didn’t have a mother she could talk to and work through things with. She was left to handle her own problems, and she simply couldn’t cope. She could see where her friend Candi could stand to make changes, but couldn’t unravel her own issues. Those emotions are something we can all relate to, even if not in the same situations as Shelton’s characters.
Shelton tells a tale of difficulty and heartache, to be sure, but she also infuses it with hope and the promise of better things to come, much like the biblical story of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. That thread of hope is what kept me turning the pages. I desperately wanted to see some reconciliation for Charlotte, Gracey, Francine, and Joanna. I wanted to see beauty come from ashes. (Does it? Go get the book and read for yourself – no spoilers here.)
Tina Shelton has earned a place on my authors to watch list with her debut novel. I can’t wait to see what stories she has yet to tell!
March 18, 2024
This Ain’t No Promised Land is a coming-of-age debut novel by author Tina Shelton, which is something I kept in the back of my mind when I started reading, and it’s a fact that blew me away the further I ventured into this story. From the beginning I was hooked on this story. It could be the fact that I am a child of the 80’s and that era holds a special place in my heart, but I think it goes much deeper in that.
Coming of age stories aren’t typically my favorite genre but there is an undeniable tenderness that drifts off the pages that emotionally bound me to this narrative. You can’t help but feel for these girls and women who are just trying to survive. Seeing a community rally to help a young family after a sudden loss was truly touching and it is a story I wish I could read more often.
There are some tough subject matters handled throughout that could be triggering for some, but I reason that life is messy and the authenticity that comes off the pages is raw and real, making me love this novel even more with the tackling of such subject matter. I do appreciate that these sensitive subjects do not go into graphic detail, yet they still manage to pack a powerful punch in their delivery.
There are so many layers to unpack with This Ain’t No Promised Land and so many feelings whirring around. The bitterness of life not going the way you had planned, the resentment that tends to fester when you let that bitterness take root in your heart, pain from past choices and the power of forgiveness are just a few that struck me.
A compelling debut novel, this is a captivating read that has venerated me to this author. She has a talent that truly cannot be taught, and I am so excited to see where her literary journey takes my heart and imagination next.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Coming of age stories aren’t typically my favorite genre but there is an undeniable tenderness that drifts off the pages that emotionally bound me to this narrative. You can’t help but feel for these girls and women who are just trying to survive. Seeing a community rally to help a young family after a sudden loss was truly touching and it is a story I wish I could read more often.
There are some tough subject matters handled throughout that could be triggering for some, but I reason that life is messy and the authenticity that comes off the pages is raw and real, making me love this novel even more with the tackling of such subject matter. I do appreciate that these sensitive subjects do not go into graphic detail, yet they still manage to pack a powerful punch in their delivery.
There are so many layers to unpack with This Ain’t No Promised Land and so many feelings whirring around. The bitterness of life not going the way you had planned, the resentment that tends to fester when you let that bitterness take root in your heart, pain from past choices and the power of forgiveness are just a few that struck me.
A compelling debut novel, this is a captivating read that has venerated me to this author. She has a talent that truly cannot be taught, and I am so excited to see where her literary journey takes my heart and imagination next.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
March 21, 2024
Christian Fiction is a favorite Genre of mine. This Ain't No Promised Land by Tina Shelton is the latest book in this genre that I have read. It is the Debut novel for new Author Tina Shelton.
The Storyline of this book caught my attention from the very beginning. The setting of the 1980's on the South Side of Chicago really reasonated with me. I grew up in the 80's on the South Side of Chicago. Charlotte is a recently widowed mom with 3 teenagers daughter. She is struggling with life and decides to head south leaving her daughters to "fend for themselves". I really LOVE how the Community comes together to help the 3 young teenagers(16, 14 and 12) and to make sure they can survive on their own. The girls are struggling and begin to make decisions that are not wise. Gracey, Francine, and Joanna make their way to Mississippi to live with their Grandmother and to hopefully get back on track. Charlotte has found a new friend in Georgia, where she is now living. The book is really twofold, telling the story of Charlotte and also telling the Girls story and how they had to grow up fast after their Mom left them in Chicago. Charlotte had to work through some past troubles and situations in order to be able to come back to the girls to be the mom she should be. The girls, with the help of their Grandmother, had to work through the struggles of life without Mom. I really LOVE how they were strong throughout. The book is one that has some STRONG difficult topics, the author does a great job with her writting about those with sensitivity. The faith messages throughout the book are also wonderful and encouraging. I truly enjoyed this book and Charlotte and her girls story. GREAT BOOK!
The Storyline of this book caught my attention from the very beginning. The setting of the 1980's on the South Side of Chicago really reasonated with me. I grew up in the 80's on the South Side of Chicago. Charlotte is a recently widowed mom with 3 teenagers daughter. She is struggling with life and decides to head south leaving her daughters to "fend for themselves". I really LOVE how the Community comes together to help the 3 young teenagers(16, 14 and 12) and to make sure they can survive on their own. The girls are struggling and begin to make decisions that are not wise. Gracey, Francine, and Joanna make their way to Mississippi to live with their Grandmother and to hopefully get back on track. Charlotte has found a new friend in Georgia, where she is now living. The book is really twofold, telling the story of Charlotte and also telling the Girls story and how they had to grow up fast after their Mom left them in Chicago. Charlotte had to work through some past troubles and situations in order to be able to come back to the girls to be the mom she should be. The girls, with the help of their Grandmother, had to work through the struggles of life without Mom. I really LOVE how they were strong throughout. The book is one that has some STRONG difficult topics, the author does a great job with her writting about those with sensitivity. The faith messages throughout the book are also wonderful and encouraging. I truly enjoyed this book and Charlotte and her girls story. GREAT BOOK!
March 22, 2024
This Ain't No Promised Land by Tina Shelton is the emotional story of three generations of women in a family. The story in this debut novel is told by 14-year-old Gracey and her mother Charlotte and delves into weighty topics including identity, grief, regret, abandonment, and forgiveness.
Overwhelmed with grief, Charlotte does the unthinkable and flees Chicago while her daughters ages 12, 14, and 16 are in school, leaving them unsupervised. The girls do their best to keep up with school and the house, but despite the support of compassionate neighbors, they can't manage on their own indefinitely, and authorities eventually intervene in their mother's absence.
I really appreciated that Charlotte's perspective is shared, both current and past, told in memories/flashbacks. While it doesn't negate her neglect, it provided insight into her actions. The novel explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters, and the questionable behavior isn't limited to Charlotte's choice to leave.
This was such a unique reading experience, like a "general market" novel with the immersive writing style and "gritty' topics and then references to faith, church, and God, seamlessly woven into the plot, reminded me that it's a Christian fiction novel. For this reason, it earns a rare 5-star rating from me, and I'm eager to see what Ms. Shelton writes next.
Thank you to the author and Kregel Publications for the review copy of this memorable novel. All opinions are my own.
Overwhelmed with grief, Charlotte does the unthinkable and flees Chicago while her daughters ages 12, 14, and 16 are in school, leaving them unsupervised. The girls do their best to keep up with school and the house, but despite the support of compassionate neighbors, they can't manage on their own indefinitely, and authorities eventually intervene in their mother's absence.
I really appreciated that Charlotte's perspective is shared, both current and past, told in memories/flashbacks. While it doesn't negate her neglect, it provided insight into her actions. The novel explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters, and the questionable behavior isn't limited to Charlotte's choice to leave.
This was such a unique reading experience, like a "general market" novel with the immersive writing style and "gritty' topics and then references to faith, church, and God, seamlessly woven into the plot, reminded me that it's a Christian fiction novel. For this reason, it earns a rare 5-star rating from me, and I'm eager to see what Ms. Shelton writes next.
Thank you to the author and Kregel Publications for the review copy of this memorable novel. All opinions are my own.
March 26, 2024
Gracey is a wordsmith, though she's early in her journey of discovering the world of writing. Her teacher has assigned the class of 14-year-olds the task of journaling; of answering questions about their lives, feelings, and experiences. And Gracey has a lot to say, for her life has changed in ways she'd never have imagined.
Her mother Charlotte, newly widowed, has abandoned Gracey and her two sisters, leaving them with a short letter placed in their cookie jar. Left in their home, the girls (a tween and two teens) carry on. Mothering the trio falls to Gracey, the middle daughter; and by the community, which slowly notices the girls' neglect and struggle. Charlotte has left Chicago for the south, where no one knows her story. But just how long can three sisters, all under the age of 16, carry on without the love and care of their mom?
I was absolutely blown away by Tina Shelton's This Ain't No Promised Land. Shelton deftly weaves the journey of a family impacted by generations of trauma with characters who seem so real that you'll want to hug them and cook them a meal. Loss, abandonment, creativity, gifting, and a search; you'll never forget these girls and their story.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own.
Her mother Charlotte, newly widowed, has abandoned Gracey and her two sisters, leaving them with a short letter placed in their cookie jar. Left in their home, the girls (a tween and two teens) carry on. Mothering the trio falls to Gracey, the middle daughter; and by the community, which slowly notices the girls' neglect and struggle. Charlotte has left Chicago for the south, where no one knows her story. But just how long can three sisters, all under the age of 16, carry on without the love and care of their mom?
I was absolutely blown away by Tina Shelton's This Ain't No Promised Land. Shelton deftly weaves the journey of a family impacted by generations of trauma with characters who seem so real that you'll want to hug them and cook them a meal. Loss, abandonment, creativity, gifting, and a search; you'll never forget these girls and their story.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own.
May 2, 2024
This is a fascinating story spread over four generations and with some contrasting settings. Infidelity and the pain of separation recur as themes and the characters change and develop as greater truth is discovered and explored. The different passages attributed to Charlotte and her daughter Gracey allow the reader to understand the tensions and unhappiness each experience.
The book is unflinching in its focus on problems in families. It raises a range of difficult questions. I was left with the message that peace can be found even when others treat us badly or, even worse, we ourselves have not behaved well.
The book is unflinching in its focus on problems in families. It raises a range of difficult questions. I was left with the message that peace can be found even when others treat us badly or, even worse, we ourselves have not behaved well.
May 25, 2024
As a debut for Tina Shelton, this had marked her as an author to watch. This Ain’t No Promised Land is unlike any other book I have read. 3 sisters are abandoned by their mother. Left on their own, the 3 teens start to do their best to survive. With the help from neighbors, teachers and friends, they do well.
I will say I really wanted to not like Charlotte, the mom, but Shelton reminds us that there is a story behind each of us. We need to make sure we find out what it is and how can we help instead of just judging them.
Well written, this book just might give you a bit of a book hangover. There is a lot to digest once you are done.
I will say I really wanted to not like Charlotte, the mom, but Shelton reminds us that there is a story behind each of us. We need to make sure we find out what it is and how can we help instead of just judging them.
Well written, this book just might give you a bit of a book hangover. There is a lot to digest once you are done.
May 6, 2025
This was an interesting book that dealt with some tough topics like abuse and abandonment. It was interesting to read the story from the two women’s perspective. I liked seeing how eventually they were able to deal with their past and what had been done to them and allow God to heal them. I liked seeing these imperfect people learn to do the best they could and to build relationships with each other even though they weren’t perfect. I liked seeing the growth in these characters and seeing the family band together.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
October 27, 2025
What a heartfelt story about motherhood, abandonment, grace, redemption, and healing.
Charlotte could not handle the death of her husband and in turn fled from Chicago, leaving her 3 daughters behind and taking her mistakes and secrets with her. Everyone including Charlotte, her mother and her children were really fighting to hold themselves together despite the circumstances. Thankfully the presence of God was a driving force that connected them all to know that even with the mess around them, God's presence and love will always keep them whole.
I love a good Christian fiction book.
Charlotte could not handle the death of her husband and in turn fled from Chicago, leaving her 3 daughters behind and taking her mistakes and secrets with her. Everyone including Charlotte, her mother and her children were really fighting to hold themselves together despite the circumstances. Thankfully the presence of God was a driving force that connected them all to know that even with the mess around them, God's presence and love will always keep them whole.
I love a good Christian fiction book.
July 20, 2025
Character-driven book exploring the effects of unresolved trauma, kept secrets and grief over the generations. It portrayed how the actions people take based on their hurts, false beliefs, trauma and misinformation cause so much damage to themselves and others. Loved the faith element because it gave a view into a fledgling and floundering faith. Enjoyed the hopeful moments as well. So needed because this was a heavy book emotionally. Overall a solid book.
March 28, 2024
Much to my surprise, I ended up really appreciating and enjoying this book. I chose to review it because I find very few books I want to read from the particular place that offered it and I wanted to keep my account open. When I started reading it, I kind of sighed and expected to have to slog my way through. Very quickly, however, the story caught me up and I had to find out if and how the girls and their mother were reunited, and how their family ended up. This book is very much character-driven rather than plot-driven, and it was well done. I felt like I knew Gracey, Charlotte and the others in their family. The issues they faced were hard, and a lot of the story felt heavy, but by the end there was hope! Another thing I liked about this book was that, though the story is about Black people, that wasn’t the main emphasis. It’s just who they are, making the story relatable for anyone. I was quite fascinated by how the girls had to care for their hair, though!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and JustRead Publicity, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and JustRead Publicity, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
September 16, 2024
Loved the writing of the author. The book captivated my attention right off and the characters drew me in. I really enjoyed this story despite the hard topics it dealt with. There are a lot of cultural references in the writing you may or may not get deposing on where and when you grew up. I would definitely read a future book by this author
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February 11, 2025This story showcased beautifully how it’s never too late to reconcile and mend hurting relationships and it’s never too late to restore and rebuild after pain and mistakes.
“You ain’t done nothin that the Lord can’t fix.”
“You can’t put your happiness in people, ‘cause they’ll never act the way you want them to all the time.”
“People lie and push their fears on you, but God doesn’t lie.”
October 7, 2025
4.5⭐️ this was a Goodreads Giveaway. The first part of the book was hard for me to get into because the dates kept changing around; I’m kinda simple minded, in addition to the author writing what month/year it is, it would be helpful to say “four months ago.” After the timelines matched up I really enjoyed this book. Family drama, grace and redemption. Lovely story.
April 20, 2024
Loved this book! Great story about family, moms and daughters.
May 5, 2024
A coming of age story of three generations of women on Chicago's south side.
January 22, 2025
A story about breaking generational sins. It is hard. It hurts the children.
February 18, 2025
It’s about intergenerational poverty but it isn’t accusatory or guilt inducing, and it doesn’t stoke more racism. It is positive and hopeful.
March 2, 2025
I tried. Did not finish.
April 16, 2025
It was just ok. Didn’t grip me and took me a bit to finish it.
September 11, 2025
A page turner! Loved this family and their interactions. It’s now one of my favorite stories! I feel fortunate to have won this Kindle book on Goodreads! Highly recommended!
December 11, 2025
The way Shelton illustrates grace in the context of generational and personal healing was beautiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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