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Blaze Collection
Fallen Grace
A single mother in segregated Virginia pushes back on societal prejudice and her own family’s judgment in an emotionally powerful short story by New York Times bestselling author Sadeqa Johnson.
With a newborn in tow, Bubbles Jones escapes a brutal sanctuary for “wayward girls” to confront the hypocritical shame of her pastor father and the betrayal of a lover. But Bubbles is accompanied by a woman who offers her shelter and a dream. Forging an unpredictable path ahead, Bubbles will not yield and will not hide in her unwavering commitment to make a big life real in a world determined to keep her small.
Sadeqa Johnson’s Fallen Grace is part of Blaze, a collection of short stories about incendiary women across the decades who dare to defy convention. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.
With a newborn in tow, Bubbles Jones escapes a brutal sanctuary for “wayward girls” to confront the hypocritical shame of her pastor father and the betrayal of a lover. But Bubbles is accompanied by a woman who offers her shelter and a dream. Forging an unpredictable path ahead, Bubbles will not yield and will not hide in her unwavering commitment to make a big life real in a world determined to keep her small.
Sadeqa Johnson’s Fallen Grace is part of Blaze, a collection of short stories about incendiary women across the decades who dare to defy convention. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2024
510 people are currently reading
6537 people want to read
About the author
Sadeqa Johnson
8 books5,724 followersSadeqa Johnson is the New York Times best-selling author of five novels. Her accolades include being the 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, and the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award winner. She is a Kimbilio Fellow and teaches in the M.F.A. program at Drexel University. Originally from Philadelphia, she currently lives near Richmond, VA with her husband and three teens.
website: www.sadeqa.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadeqasays
https://linktr.ee/Sadeqasays
website: www.sadeqa.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadeqasays
https://linktr.ee/Sadeqasays
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
December 9, 2024
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The Book Review Crew Blog
She would take her chance with shame rather than live with regret.
I loved The Yellow Wife by this author, it was one of my favourite reads of 2021. This one may be short but it packed a punch just as well.
This was such a moving story. Bubbles has so much strength, I believe she got it from her love for her daughter. I love stories of strong women especially younger ones who find themselves on a difficult path. Imagine being an unwed mother in the 1950s.
I appreciate how this one ended it was such a great moment for Bubbles and I cheered her on all the way. I love this story and I won't soon forget it or Bubbles. I have to check out the other stories in The Blaze Collection. Is it called that because these ladies blazed the trail for other women?
The Book Review Crew Blog
She would take her chance with shame rather than live with regret.
I loved The Yellow Wife by this author, it was one of my favourite reads of 2021. This one may be short but it packed a punch just as well.
This was such a moving story. Bubbles has so much strength, I believe she got it from her love for her daughter. I love stories of strong women especially younger ones who find themselves on a difficult path. Imagine being an unwed mother in the 1950s.
I appreciate how this one ended it was such a great moment for Bubbles and I cheered her on all the way. I love this story and I won't soon forget it or Bubbles. I have to check out the other stories in The Blaze Collection. Is it called that because these ladies blazed the trail for other women?
May 13, 2024
5/5 ⭐️ OMG I didn’t know this short story was about Bubbles from The House of Eve! This follows her story after she escapes that horrible place with her baby. I teared up a bit while reading this. Bubbles was such a strong and brave young woman. I adored her and how determined she was to keep her baby safe. I will now literally read anything this author writes! She’s amazing! 🥹💖. She never fails to bring out all of my emotions!
November 3, 2025
Fallen Grace is a short story about Bubbles Jones, who escapes the confines of a segregated home for wayward girls with her bundled newborn. Her baby's father soon betrays her, but with the aid of a friend, she sees possibilities for a future. Then Bubbles witnesses something she can't unsee, that puts fire in her belly...
I love Sadeqa Johnson's straightforward writing style and historical fiction storytelling about the challenges of African-American women through the centuries. This one is no exception, and despite its short length, it's a poignant read. That it is set in Washington D.C, our great nation's capitol, in January 1950, is quite telling.
Fallen Grace is part of the Blaze Collection offered exclusively through Amazon and Audible. The seven short stories are about unforgettable female characters breaking barriers, defying convention, and igniting change. Each story is meant to be read or listened to in one sitting. I chose both options, and the audiobook, narrated by Channie Waites, was my preferred format for this immersive experience.
Yellow Wife by this New York Times best-selling author is one of my favorite books. I'm looking forward to reading her newest novel, Keeper of Lost Children: A Novel, due to be published in February 2026, and which is already receiving strong early reviews and ratings!
3.75⭐
I love Sadeqa Johnson's straightforward writing style and historical fiction storytelling about the challenges of African-American women through the centuries. This one is no exception, and despite its short length, it's a poignant read. That it is set in Washington D.C, our great nation's capitol, in January 1950, is quite telling.
Fallen Grace is part of the Blaze Collection offered exclusively through Amazon and Audible. The seven short stories are about unforgettable female characters breaking barriers, defying convention, and igniting change. Each story is meant to be read or listened to in one sitting. I chose both options, and the audiobook, narrated by Channie Waites, was my preferred format for this immersive experience.
Yellow Wife by this New York Times best-selling author is one of my favorite books. I'm looking forward to reading her newest novel, Keeper of Lost Children: A Novel, due to be published in February 2026, and which is already receiving strong early reviews and ratings!
3.75⭐
February 28, 2024
Sadeqa just DOESN'T MISS!!
This short story is focused on Bubbles (from House of Eve) and what happens once she has her baby and leaves the home for wayward girls. However, you didn't have to read House of Eve to understand this story.
My only issue with this story is that I wanted more!!
This short story is focused on Bubbles (from House of Eve) and what happens once she has her baby and leaves the home for wayward girls. However, you didn't have to read House of Eve to understand this story.
My only issue with this story is that I wanted more!!
February 3, 2025
One of seven short stories in the Blaze collection from Amazon, about women who dare to defy convention, some of them historical female pioneers. The stories are not related and can be read in any order.
Not much extra to add besides the Goodreads description: "A single mother in segregated Virginia pushes back on societal prejudice and her own family’s judgment."
Not much extra to add besides the Goodreads description: "A single mother in segregated Virginia pushes back on societal prejudice and her own family’s judgment."
May 27, 2024
Thank you Ashanti for telling me about Bubbles story!! 🥰🥰 It was driving me insane wondering what happened to her in “The House of Eve”.
In that book Bubbles was one of the brave few that decided to escape from the sanctuary for wayward girls and she was determined to live out the life she planned for herself! Unfortunately after she left, things didn’t go according to plan AT ALL!
The way I was rooting for Bubbles!!! I wanted baby girl to win because she had so much heart! I wanted more from that ending but I’m glad she stood up for herself and didn’t allow the judgement of others (her parents included) to shame her!
I would love another update on her but even if I don’t get one, my heart is settled with this one!
In that book Bubbles was one of the brave few that decided to escape from the sanctuary for wayward girls and she was determined to live out the life she planned for herself! Unfortunately after she left, things didn’t go according to plan AT ALL!
The way I was rooting for Bubbles!!! I wanted baby girl to win because she had so much heart! I wanted more from that ending but I’m glad she stood up for herself and didn’t allow the judgement of others (her parents included) to shame her!
I would love another update on her but even if I don’t get one, my heart is settled with this one!
February 29, 2024
“She would take her chance with shame rather than live with regret.”
For those that wanted Bubbles story from House of Eve, this one is for us. Super short, but super impactful. I will read anything this authors writes. This was so good!!
For those that wanted Bubbles story from House of Eve, this one is for us. Super short, but super impactful. I will read anything this authors writes. This was so good!!
June 27, 2024
I loved this!
A short story that will keep you turning pages to see what happens next. What must a young black girl do when she is placed in a home for unwed mothers by her very religious parents? What a good story of a strong willed woman with everything in her life stacked against her. She must plan to escape the horrible ‘home’ with her baby. I cheered her on through disappointment after disappointment. Get to know ‘Bubbles’ by reading this. I bet you’ll be glad you did.
A short story that will keep you turning pages to see what happens next. What must a young black girl do when she is placed in a home for unwed mothers by her very religious parents? What a good story of a strong willed woman with everything in her life stacked against her. She must plan to escape the horrible ‘home’ with her baby. I cheered her on through disappointment after disappointment. Get to know ‘Bubbles’ by reading this. I bet you’ll be glad you did.
August 25, 2024
I am truly a fan of Sadequa Johnson. However, I am not a fan of short stories. Therefore, this was just okay for me.
I am hoping for a sequel to The House Of Eve, and not just a blurb of the characters.
If you're going to tell a story, tell the whole story. I just never got with the short story. Why??
I am hoping for a sequel to The House Of Eve, and not just a blurb of the characters.
If you're going to tell a story, tell the whole story. I just never got with the short story. Why??
April 24, 2024
Fallen Grace by Sadeqa Johnson. Sadeqa Johnson is one of my favorite authors. But even the best writer would struggle to write a captivating, strong character book in less than an hour. I also recognized the beginning of the book from another novel I have read.
July 22, 2024
This was by far the best one. Ugh I loved this story & the ending was perfect. I find that a lot of short stories have issues with having a clear beginning, middle, & end; a full story. But this one did just that and it was all completed, every piece was there. This is what i wanted the whole series to be. <3
May 23, 2024
Have this short story. Love all the authors selected for the Blaze Collection and Sadeqa Johnson is certainly one of them. Fallen Grace was a Great Story that I wish went on longer.
Bubbles’ story I enjoyed. Shows the hypocrisy of faith and how her parents used that to decide she must be in a home for un-wed mothers. She has sinned and doesn’t deserve a say in her future. Fortunately, Bubbles is not the type to just be shoved in a corner. She takes control of her future and it was enjoyable to read her journey.
Bubbles’ story I enjoyed. Shows the hypocrisy of faith and how her parents used that to decide she must be in a home for un-wed mothers. She has sinned and doesn’t deserve a say in her future. Fortunately, Bubbles is not the type to just be shoved in a corner. She takes control of her future and it was enjoyable to read her journey.
February 29, 2024
Wow, this short historical fiction story had me in tears by the end. I must read this author's other works. A single mother, named Bubbles, in segregated Virginia pushes back when her family sent her away after she finds herself pregnant, intending to give the baby up and have her return so she doesn't shame their family. Her father is a Southern Baptist minister so they don't want anyone to know about this. Bubble stands strong and decides to keep her baby and escapes from the home she was sent to with her daughter. She decides to use her talent of singing to make money after leaving but where she ends up - she stands strong in courage for her own daughter. Beautiful ending. What an emotional punch in such a short story. My favorite so far of this collection.
Bubbles is a character from the story House of Eve by this author. I have not read that one yet, but from other reviews, this can be read independently from that story without spoiling anything.
*Content: Mentions of sexual assault, discrimination, prejudice, and 1 use of GD for language.
Bubbles is a character from the story House of Eve by this author. I have not read that one yet, but from other reviews, this can be read independently from that story without spoiling anything.
*Content: Mentions of sexual assault, discrimination, prejudice, and 1 use of GD for language.
March 27, 2024
This short story was a easy 5 ⭐️ read Sadeqa took it from 0 to 100 real quick‼️At this point if she’s writing it I’m buying and reading it.
When Bubbles escaped with her baby she had one goal in mind reuniting with the father of her child. Little did Bubbles know he harbored a secret and was living a double life. Offered shelter by a friend or so she thought and a dream of making it big.
Bubbles and her new friend would be well on their way to California if things work out . . . but they didn’t. Bubbles soon learns her friend was a FOE and her father is a hypocrite. The night she saw her father at that club my mouth dropped but when Bubbles showed up at that church MIC DROP‼️ I wish we could’ve gotten more to this cause this tidbit was amazing. If you haven’t read Fallen Grace what are you waiting for?
When Bubbles escaped with her baby she had one goal in mind reuniting with the father of her child. Little did Bubbles know he harbored a secret and was living a double life. Offered shelter by a friend or so she thought and a dream of making it big.
Bubbles and her new friend would be well on their way to California if things work out . . . but they didn’t. Bubbles soon learns her friend was a FOE and her father is a hypocrite. The night she saw her father at that club my mouth dropped but when Bubbles showed up at that church MIC DROP‼️ I wish we could’ve gotten more to this cause this tidbit was amazing. If you haven’t read Fallen Grace what are you waiting for?
February 24, 2024
My only problem with this book is that, it’s too short.
February 27, 2024
Follow up short story to the author’s novel, House of Eve, but from Bubbles’ perspective. Loved being back in this world with some of the characters. Highly recommend reading House of Eve first if you want to read the short story. A quick one hour read or listen. Available on Kindle Unlimited or Prime Reading.
March 1, 2024
Bravo 👏🏽
This is a story not to be missed! I ate it up. It is a story about friendship, perseverance, judgments, autonomy and redemption. There’s just so much packed in this short story. I wished it to be longer.
The narration was okay. The voice of Gertrude was grating.
This is a story not to be missed! I ate it up. It is a story about friendship, perseverance, judgments, autonomy and redemption. There’s just so much packed in this short story. I wished it to be longer.
The narration was okay. The voice of Gertrude was grating.
February 25, 2024
Sadeqa does not miss!!! Soooo many emotions in this short story 😩
February 26, 2024
THE BLAZE COLLECTION:
Unstoppable Women Igniting Change
This fierce collection from New York Times bestselling historical fiction authors sweeps readers back in time with exhilarating short stories of unforgettable female characters. Spanning decades, these indelible women broke through barriers in disparate worlds of art, war, science, love, and injustice and paved the way for other women to follow. Strike a match and blaze a trail.
OVERALL RATING: for The Blaze Collection:
5⭐Stars
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE COLLECTION:
I loved this wonderful collection of short stories about strong and fearless women! The well-written collection with stunning covers and top-named authors draws you in. It also allows you to read/Listen to authors you follow and those you read for the first time. I also grabbed the audiobooks for each as well. I highly recommend this collection with various stories to keep you entertained. 7 powerful Kindle short stories with audio narration. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.
~FALLEN GRACE (favorite of the collection)
AUTHOR: Sadeqa Johnson
NARRATOR: Channie Waites
MY RATING: 5⭐Stars
THOUGHTS: I love anything Sadqa writes, and FALLEN GRACE was my favorite of the Blaze Collection! I adored Bubbles, who grew up as the daughter of a Southern Baptist minister in Virginia. She finds herself pregnant, and her parents send her to a home for wayward girls. However, she decides she will keep the baby and escapes, finding herself with more challenges, betrayal, and obstacles. She decides to use her God-given talent of singing, and here she finds her life amidst hypocrisy. She stands up and uses it to her advantage with courage and grit. You will root for Bubbles to the end.
I loved this one and could have listened to a full-length novel. The narrator, Channie Waites, delivers an outstanding performance for all voices!
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for ARCS for an honest opinion. Also purchased the audiobooks.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Feb 22, 2024
Feb 2024 Must-Read Books
Feb Newsletter
Unstoppable Women Igniting Change
This fierce collection from New York Times bestselling historical fiction authors sweeps readers back in time with exhilarating short stories of unforgettable female characters. Spanning decades, these indelible women broke through barriers in disparate worlds of art, war, science, love, and injustice and paved the way for other women to follow. Strike a match and blaze a trail.
OVERALL RATING: for The Blaze Collection:
5⭐Stars
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE COLLECTION:
I loved this wonderful collection of short stories about strong and fearless women! The well-written collection with stunning covers and top-named authors draws you in. It also allows you to read/Listen to authors you follow and those you read for the first time. I also grabbed the audiobooks for each as well. I highly recommend this collection with various stories to keep you entertained. 7 powerful Kindle short stories with audio narration. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.
~FALLEN GRACE (favorite of the collection)
AUTHOR: Sadeqa Johnson
NARRATOR: Channie Waites
MY RATING: 5⭐Stars
THOUGHTS: I love anything Sadqa writes, and FALLEN GRACE was my favorite of the Blaze Collection! I adored Bubbles, who grew up as the daughter of a Southern Baptist minister in Virginia. She finds herself pregnant, and her parents send her to a home for wayward girls. However, she decides she will keep the baby and escapes, finding herself with more challenges, betrayal, and obstacles. She decides to use her God-given talent of singing, and here she finds her life amidst hypocrisy. She stands up and uses it to her advantage with courage and grit. You will root for Bubbles to the end.
I loved this one and could have listened to a full-length novel. The narrator, Channie Waites, delivers an outstanding performance for all voices!
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for ARCS for an honest opinion. Also purchased the audiobooks.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Feb 22, 2024
Feb 2024 Must-Read Books
Feb Newsletter
April 12, 2024
Absolute perfection! My jaw dropped. I bit my nails. I gasped in disgust. This is such a well handled tale by Sadeqa Johnson. Ever since I read The Yellow Wife, I’m convinced that she cannot fail. This story about Bubbles and Gertrude and redemption is well worth the read.
March 25, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ I would actually love to see more sequels from The House of Eve. Sadeqa Johnson wrote such unique characters that I’m invested in all of their before and afters. This was a treat!
March 27, 2024
Great series about women finding their strength in broken times.
October 17, 2025
From the Blaze Collection about women who face the hard stuff, Bubbles is one of those. She's found herself in the family way when she has no partner to assist with the family life that soon will change her world. This super short book took a layered story and hit all the important highlights, and by the story's end, I was so proud of Bubbles facing down the most difficult opponents (the ones who love you the way you used to be. . .) and instigating some hard core mind-changing in herself and others. That's real progress, and it's done one moment, one choice at a time.
25|52:24e
25|52:24e
May 21, 2025
"They did not have to forgive her, but she had forgiven them"
OMG, ¿QUÉ FUE ESTO?
FALLEN GRACE, es una historia llena de valentía, amor, perdón y una crítica a la socidad en su trato a las mujeres.
No podía parar de leer y me sentía muy involucrada con la historia.
Aquí tenemos a Bublees que es una mujer joven que tuvo una hija fuera del matrimonio y sus padres la condenaron.
Tipo, la alejaron y ella tuvo que vivir todo sola.
Pero la historia habla de cuando ella escapa, para poder estar con su bebé.
Creo que el libro tiene varios momentos donde sientes que las personas le fallan constantemente, diría que hay varias traiciones y son parte fundamental para el cierre.
Es un libro sobre la fortaleza que puede tener una mujer y también sobre la adversidad.
Creo que el final es perfecto.
Ella jamás perdió quién era y eso resume toda su travesía❤️🩹
OMG, ¿QUÉ FUE ESTO?
FALLEN GRACE, es una historia llena de valentía, amor, perdón y una crítica a la socidad en su trato a las mujeres.
No podía parar de leer y me sentía muy involucrada con la historia.
Aquí tenemos a Bublees que es una mujer joven que tuvo una hija fuera del matrimonio y sus padres la condenaron.
Tipo, la alejaron y ella tuvo que vivir todo sola.
Pero la historia habla de cuando ella escapa, para poder estar con su bebé.
Creo que el libro tiene varios momentos donde sientes que las personas le fallan constantemente, diría que hay varias traiciones y son parte fundamental para el cierre.
Es un libro sobre la fortaleza que puede tener una mujer y también sobre la adversidad.
Creo que el final es perfecto.
Ella jamás perdió quién era y eso resume toda su travesía❤️🩹
October 19, 2024
4.5 stars!
The closure we needed around Bubbles from The House of Eve! Beautifully written! I wish the ending had been slightly different, but I was also expecting it!
The closure we needed around Bubbles from The House of Eve! Beautifully written! I wish the ending had been slightly different, but I was also expecting it!
February 26, 2024
sadeqa does it again . such a moving story in just 40 short pages. so glad we get to see how Bubbles story ends.
so so good. 🖤
so so good. 🖤
February 23, 2024
I am a big fan of Sadeqa Johnson! It may seem that short stories is like cheating versus reading a lengthy novel. However, Ms. Johnson packs a whole lot of good in this story of race, religion, grit and love... Thank you Ms. Johnson! :)
February 23, 2025
3.5⭐️
A short story about one woman's determination, and huge capability for forgiveness. Bubbles had been sent away to a house for wayward girls, to give birth out of sight. But she refuses to give up her daughter, and returns home with the baby
"She would take her chance with shame rather than live with regret."
A short story about one woman's determination, and huge capability for forgiveness. Bubbles had been sent away to a house for wayward girls, to give birth out of sight. But she refuses to give up her daughter, and returns home with the baby
June 30, 2024
Wow, loved this short story!
A beautiful story of grace, redemption, and reclaiming your power! This was a great follow-up to House of Eve! Chefs kiss!
A beautiful story of grace, redemption, and reclaiming your power! This was a great follow-up to House of Eve! Chefs kiss!
November 20, 2025
Wow
Apparently this story is about Bubbles from the House of Eve (which I will be picking up VERY soon) and I loved it! I loved how the relationship between Bubbles and Gertrude came about and how they both helped each other after their escape. The fact that they had to go through what they did at the time of their lives was demeaning and disgusting. The way Bubbles found her voice and walked with pride after everything…loved it!
Apparently this story is about Bubbles from the House of Eve (which I will be picking up VERY soon) and I loved it! I loved how the relationship between Bubbles and Gertrude came about and how they both helped each other after their escape. The fact that they had to go through what they did at the time of their lives was demeaning and disgusting. The way Bubbles found her voice and walked with pride after everything…loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews