It's crazy how drastically life can change in what seems like an instant. One minute you're floating on cloud nine, excited about planning your future with your soulmate, and the next you're drowning in grief at their sudden departure. For Kimori Spriggs, this became her reality when she found out she was expecting her first child, a child that she and her husband had prayed for with utmost desire, only to lose her husband on the same day due to an unfortunate tragedy. The happiest moment of her life turned into the saddest in mere hours.
Months later, Kimori forces herself to return to work while grappling deeply with the unexpected loss. It's then that she crosses paths with Karter Kingsley - an affluent man who has also faced pain in life but conceals it beneath a hardened facade and his past heartaches have shaped him into a stoic individual.
Though their initial encounter was far from a pleasant one, and left much to be desired, Kimori and Karter find solace in each other's company, not realizing they're slowly mending each other's emotional wounds. However, the question remains whether the emotional pain they have experienced will be too overwhelming for either of them to move forward.
ALECIA please come to the front of the class!!!! We gotta talk sis. Ques(Vivian Green- Emotional Rollercoaster)cause bayyyyyybeeeeee this book took me on one hell of a ride. I started this book while sitting in the parking lot at Walmart and y’all I almost went in them people store crying. The beginning THE BEGINNING….. The way this book was written showed grief in such a different way for me and listen I was ready to give everyone in the world that’s hurting from grief a hug. I don’t know how Kimori made it through all her grief but babygirl was a WARRIOR, her strength, determination, and heart. WHEW!!!! Kudos to how you wrote her. Now Karter, my baby Karter, your past was heartbreaking and then having to deal with the cards Mommy got dealt didn’t help BUT LOVE, LOVE prevailed. I love how soft Kimori helped him become. I love how she showed him there’s so much more in him and about him to love. Bayyyybbbeeee Kimori owes Jennifer an ssa whooping you hear me cause she was trash af. But that Walmart scene did it for me so I felt better. Karter you are loved and you are joy despite your past and the person who wronged you. Your heart was made of gold and was made to love and you showed us that with how your friendship/relationship grew over time with Kimori. Ms Evelyn was such a beautiful soul to read and I love how she stood her ground always. This story dragged me emotionally but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I throughly enjoyed this book despite the grief and pain. Love prevailed!!!!! I can’t tell y’all the last time I cried from a book but I boo hoo’d reading this story. But just so we’re clear it was worth every tear and the ending was worth it even more to see the characters growth and the way life played out for everyone. Thank you Alecia!!!!
"The Widow and the Grinch" by Alecia captures the poignant journey of Kimori Spriggs, whose life takes a devastating turn when she loses her husband on the very day she discovers she's expecting their long-awaited child. Alecia masterfully portrays the rollercoaster of emotions Kimori experiences, from the heights of anticipation and joy to the depths of grief and despair. As Kimori attempts to navigate her shattered reality and return to the routine of daily life, she encounters Karter Kingsley, a man with his own share of pain and heartache.
The author skillfully weaves a tale of unlikely connection and healing as Kimori and Karter find solace in each other's company despite their initial clashes. Through their evolving relationship, Alecia delves into themes of resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of love. Kimori's journey of rebuilding her life while grappling with profound loss is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, drawing readers into her emotional turmoil and eventual healing.
Alecia's vivid storytelling and compelling characters make "The Widow and the Grinch" a captivating read that resonates long after the final page. With its depth of emotion and nuanced exploration of grief and healing, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers, prompting reflection on the complexities of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
I really had to think about this review because the way this book had me ugly crying is an understatement. Like all my peoples could say was that’s a d%&n good book if it got you like this and I was like H*** yeah it is.
Karter started off kind of rough, but when he got better, wow, just wow! And Kimori, she's got such a big heart. I was cheering for them the whole time. Mrs. Evelyn sure knew her son was in the best of hands! They are amazing together and their friendship is what helped them because they ran with that baby momma/daddy for sure 🤣. But they both truly needed each other, and to see they are having a baby I think we deserve a pt 2 or something or something…I think Kami and Jarvis need a book 👀🤷🏾♀️🫣🤣!
Let's talk about the real MVPs though - Jarvis and Kami. Their dynamic was the definition of chaotic perfection, a duo you can't help but love, totally crazy but in the best way. And all the laughs, eye-rolls, and drama with Karter and his heffas? Kanisha went out bad homegirl🤣, and Jennifer, oh boy, she really thought she was something.
The way you wove in the importance of family and making amends really hit home. It's a reminder of how precious life is and how we need to cherish those bonds. Honestly, I'm bummed to have reached the end; I could spend forever with these characters, even Aunt Ella I want to see her more with her stank attitude 🤣.
ALECIA please come to the front of the class!!!! We gotta talk sis. Ques(Vivian Green- Emotional Rollercoaster)cause bayyyyyybeeeeee this book took me on one hell of a ride. I started this book while sitting in the parking lot at Walmart and y’all I almost went in them people store crying. The beginning THE BEGINNING….. The way this book was written showed grief in such a different way for me and listen I was ready to give everyone in the world that’s hurting from grief a hug. I don’t know how Kimori made it through all her grief but babygirl was a WARRIOR, her strength, determination, and heart. WHEW!!!! Kudos to how you wrote her. Now Karter, my baby Karter, your past was heartbreaking and then having to deal with the cards Mommy got dealt didn’t help BUT LOVE, LOVE prevailed. I love how soft Kimori helped him become. I love how she showed him there’s so much more in him and about him to love. Bayyyybbbeeee Kimori owes Jennifer an ssa whooping you hear me cause she was trash af. But that Walmart scene did it for me so I felt better. Karter you are loved and you are joy despite your past and the person who wronged you. Your heart was made of gold and was made to love and you showed us that with how your friendship/relationship grew over time with Kimori. Ms Evelyn was such a beautiful soul to read and I love how she stood her ground always. This story dragged me emotionally but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I throughly enjoyed this book despite the grief and pain. Love prevailed!!!!! I can’t tell y’all the last time I cried from a book but I boo hoo’d reading this story. But just so we’re clear it was worth every tear and the ending was worth it even more to see the characters growth and the way life played out for everyone. Thank you Alecia!!!!
OMG sis Authoress Alecia Johnson when I tell you that I have been crying from the very beginning of this book. And I'm not even done with the book yet but, hunni the way you captured the life of a hospice nurse. It's the strength loving and caring soul that Kimori has that makes her great at her job not to mention. She has dealt with loss as well. Karter is a hard body but Kimori is wearing him down lol. I love me some Kami as well as Ms. Evelyn even with everything she is going through she gives Kimori some of the best advice. Hunni when I tell you that Karter did a 360 with his heart after his mom died. Kimori and Karter were meant for each other to heal each other to love each other. The nerve of Jennifer SMDH 😩 😫 😩 🤦🏾♀️ 🤦🏾♀️ 🤦🏾♀️. In the end Love won. Kami and Jarvis were meant to be as well. They met their match when they met each other. Man when I tell you I cried this entire book because the loss of my mother was on my mind the entire time I read this book. And to witness her take her last breath was soooo hard for me. Even though it's been 11 years it still feels like yesterday. There's no time limit on grief. Whew Chile 🥴 🥴 🥴.Sis you never cease to amaze me. There hasn't been one book by you that I didn't like. I love them alI. I just don't understand how you are slept on by so many people in the writing industry or by others readers, but don't worry because your Blessings are coming ten fold, because what GOD has for you is for you. Love you my FAV.
I truly enjoyed everything about this read. You have two people battling different sides of trauma and grief. Kimori has just lost her husband, but was also still coming to terms with losing her mother as well. Karter was dealing with betrayal from his past and also dealing with his mother being sick. Their first meeting was definitely not the greatest lol. All thanks to Ms. Evelyn be putting her foot down started this beautiful story.
Karter and Kimori friendship to relationship was developed so greatly. I loved how we got to experience each part of their journey of becoming them. My heart hurt so bad about Ms. Evelyn and I had to shed a few tears due to similar life experiences, but she was a beautiful soul and well loved. The loving mother/daughter relationship she built with Kimori warmed my heart. Towards the end I respected how Marcus mother and. Cub had that heart to heart with Kimori and it gave her clarity on how to move forward with Karter.
Karter took the necessary steps to be better for himself and the woman he fell in love with. He had a few hiccups but his growth was admirable. Kami and Jarvis were the BEST best friends anyone could ask for and I loved they relationship with they crazy tails lmao. But happy that they finally made it official.
Alecia your craft is unmatched and this here is yet another great one, well done sis ❤️
This was so emotional and funny at the same time. Kimora is dealt a bad hand finding out she's pregnant and her husband died on the same day. It's enough to drive a person crazy. I think Kimora gravitated towards Ms.Evelyn because reminded her of her mother. Ms. Evelyn has formed friendship between her and Kimora. She's trying to play match with Kimora and Karter. Karter is a player who isn't trying to get attached or catch feelings. His boy Javis is a different story. Soon as he sees Kami, he said he saw his future wife. The friendship between Karter and Kimora blossomed, even though Kimora is still grieving. He pretended to be the baby daddy. He didn't want to let his mama down. Jennifer had the audacity to name her son after him. And thinking they going to resume their friendship. Karter made it happen for Kimora to met her father so she wouldn't think she didn't have family. Marcus came to Kimora in her dream and said she has to let him go. Plus Ms.Cyn told her the same Kimora was a big help when Ms. Evelyn died. Karter proposed to Kimora, she said yes. Now Kimora is expecting a girl and Kami is expecting a boy. Who would have thought they were going to fall love with bestfriend. Working a on cancer floor isn't a joke.
What a powerful story. This book left no questions unanswered. We got to know Karter the Grinch turned family man & Kimmie the widow….. I haven’t had too many books bring me to tears. I connected with Ms. Evelyn’s journey. My sister was admitted into the hospital. She called me one day and asked if I would come see her. Ironically I had an appointment across the street from the hospital. In the book Elise told Ms. Evelyn “don”t worry I am going to make you beautiful. Before I made it to the hospital my sister said if I don’t make her beautiful everyone will talk about me. Later on she called again and asked me to comb her hair at the hospital. I went to see her and did as she wished. She was in great spirits. The next day I got the call that she had passed. In life we just never know and even with Karter & everyone else being able to say goodbye it didn’t make it any easier. Thankfully the family built a stronger bond after. I hope we get to read about Kami. Definitely one of my top reads of 2024.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Let me start by saying this was an amazing read even though it made me cry numerous times. I loved it. The love that was poured out throughout the book was so beautiful. The gems that were dropped and the message behind the story were just amazing. K & K I love how they story came together. 2 hurt people, one grieving from loss and one grieving from betrayal, was able to heal each other and come each others peace they needed each other. Karter was so mean, and Kimora was so full of grief they went from not liking each other to not being able to live w/o one another. I love how Karter loved Amari. I just loved Ms. Evelyn she was such a sweet, loving, and wise woman. I love the bond her and Pretty K formed. I'm so happy for Kami and Jarvis they definitely deserve each other. This book was well put together and is definitely one of the best I have read so far this year. Hopefully, we will get a holiday or summer story of them! *hint* *hint*
I waver on this book. Because while their were some grammatical errors and some weirdness to the way the characters communicated - - the storyline was so very moving.
Kimori has lost her husband and the very day she does, she finds out she is pregnant. After trying for some time I might add. Ms. Evelyn is dying and in need of hospice care. This beautifully spirited woman is immediately intrigued by Kimori who will be her hospice nurse, and knows ta first meet that Kimori will revive her son, Karter.
Although, Kimori is grieving the loss of her husband and dealing with her pregnancy, she opens her heart to friendship with Karter as she falls in love with the motherly presence of Evelyn.
Karter is bitter, resentful and has sworn off love, children, marriage. He just has random hookups and is floating through life until Kimori.
Girl,I want to take the time out to say thank you . When my son called and asked me if I read this book yet I said no,not knowing the book was geared towards grief. When I say I cried throughout this entire book,I did. This book touched on a lot of things for me. Like people thinking you're strong because you keep a smile on your face when you're really trying to be strong for everyone else. I'm still processing losing my mom,my queen,my everything.I said that to say this, God takes you through some things to make you come out stronger on the other side. Again thank you for this book, it was like a form of therapy for me💖 Thank you son for telling me to read this phenomenal book. Another great read and best sller.Keep them coming my favorite author of all times.💖😘
Whew… This book pulled out all the emotions okay and I was not ready boy this book was deep and I felt all the emotions of grieving. Ms. Evelyn was EVERYTHING! I loved her aura even going through everything she went through. Them sisters of hers was a mess well Eva and Ella cause Elise went with the flow. Eva was hilarious with them reads. Jennifer had a lot of nerve with that name smh the audacity. I was too happy when they both started to properly heal and realize that life keeps going even when the ones you love leave. Pretty K was all over the place with her feelings about Karter well they both were all over the place. Kami and Jarvis were hilarious and made a great comic relief for such a heavy book. I’m glad everyone found peace and it worked out well for Karter and Kimori.
Looking at the page count alone had me not wanting to read this book but the talk on social media had me going in a didn’t direction and I gave in! So glad I did! This book was so good and tugged on my emotions like crazy! I love Kimori and Karter and how their friendship blossomed while love crept up! The bond she had with Mrs Evelyn was so beautiful! My emotions were all over the place because my husband’s grandmother name is Evelyn and I was taking care of her a couple of months before she transitioned! While other members of his family didn’t like me before she died she requested to see me! Soon after our conversation she took her last breath so this story kind of felt real! You are so great with your pen Alecia! Keep it up love!
Alecia J made me cry from the beginning to the end of this book . I've never highlighted so many phrases in a book . Kimora and Karter was a love story I am glad to have experienced. Ms. Evelyn knew a relationship was brewing and knew Kimora would be her sons's rib since their first meet up. Closure and forgiveness are the two words that stood out to me throughout this book . Sisterhood's can be healed , father's can mend their relationships with daughters , partners can move on from pain and widows can let go of guilt and love again . Alecia allowed me to experience all this and more . I couldn't ask for anything more except a Kami and Jarvis spinoff . I highly recommend this soul satisfying read.
If you are a person that has dealt with loss,m this is a book for you! This book took me through an array of emotions and at times, I had to put down the book to get my feelings in check! The storyline was so refreshing! Alecia, thanks for writing this book, as a person who has lost her husband 10 months ago, your description of grief and how to see your loved one during their last days, was on point! Grief has no time limit, and it's a day by day process! Karter needed Kimori more than he ever knew, you will find that money truly can't buy happiness. I love the friendship, love how Kami and Jarvis were able to get together! Loved this story to the very end!
This was a cute easy read, I will say I couldn't stand Karter, he was so rude, disrespectful and entitled. Figured his money was the reason he could treat people the way he did all because some girl hurt him. I don't see how he kept employees he was so nasty to them. I don't see what Kimori ever saw in him all the way to the end, especially him leaving with some distraction after the funeral and going ghost for two weeks. I understand grieving but just say you need space. He was a super bitter Betty that needed a therapist and ander management years ago. Glad he decided to get some help way later at the end, still wasn't enough to make him likeable, I really couldn't stand him and didn't want them together. He was not a book bae.
This book resonated with me so much… especially with Mrs Evelyn battle with cancer and hospice care. I cried so much the closer I got to the end of this one. I love how Kimmie took care of her and bonded with her. She gave Mrs Evelyn her dying wish… a grandson and someone to watch over her son. He was Scrooge, but eventually he dropped those walls he had up. Him seeing Jennifer and telling him how he really felt helped a lot. 3 years later and he’s actually having his own child with Kimmie. I love how Marcus’ mother sat Kimmie down and told her it was okay to move on and find love again. She had some solid people on her side. Kami is the type of friend you need! Her and Jarvis were a mess lol. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
This book took me on an Good emotional rollercoaster and I couldn't put it down!!!! Phenomenal writing skills and knowledgeable of the situations and illnesses that were a part of this story!!! I cried and I rejoiced! Kimori, Karter, and his mom Ms. Evelyn were my favorite characters. Kimori was stronger than she realized and Karter appeared at the right time!!! I was livid with Jennifer and I wanted to slap her!!!! Kimori was a sweetheart that could be little sassy when needed so she handled the other women just fine!!! I must say I thoroughly Enjoyed this story although it made me sad but Happy Won!!!!!!!! Alecia J this book deserves an Oscar!!!!!!!
I’m cried and cried. Laughed and cried some more as this story touches very close to my heart as parts of this story is what I am dealing with in real life. This is a new to me author and she told this story beautifully and it appeared she was very intentional with the way she told the story. Grief has a funny way of bringing ppl together and this story did just that. Everyone needs friend like Kami, she was soo supportive and loving to Kimori. I love their relationship. Now Mr Grinch he had a very good reason to be grumpy, which I understood very much. Timing was all he really needed but you have to read to find out how it plays out. A Great and Emotional read.
At first it took me a minute to get into the story. But once I did I really started to like where it was going. Grief is a tricky thing for some the pain goes away over time for others it’s a lifelong battle to overcome it and each time it can hit differently. No one can tell a person how long it should last or the behavior to have while going through it, all one can hope for is to have the love and support of family and friends while trying to manage it. That’s what this story represents. There were quite a few errors in the book but they weren’t too distracting to take away from the story. Other than that it was a good story.
For the most this was a great story. It was definitely slow-burn because the characters took their time before they jumped into a romantic relationship. Both main characters had so much emotional baggage, but they didn't push their problems under the rug they just allowed each other space enough to handle their situations on their own time. It wasn't immediate romance, but definitely a sexual chemistry that wasn't explored until both were ready to cross that step into their friendship, if you would call this couple that. Most romance books rush the characters love story, but this one, you are able to see the growth and maturity in each character. I loved it. MMC is definitely a Grinch, btw.
This book had me so deep in my feelings but I loved every minute of it. Kimmie went through a lot of heartache but she got her happy ending. Karter was fine, rude and held no punches but Kimmie oh Kimmie got him in check. Kimmie was an exceptional nurse and all around good person to deal with all the grief she encountered. Kami and Jock bought funny moments to bring light to the dark moments. Even though some parts made me cry the author did her big one with drawing the reader in with her knowledge and humor. Good job Alecia J
Moving forward is a must we can’t stay in grief, there will be days when you don’t want to get out of bed or just have a cry party. Gods grace will carry you through to a new day. Having support while grieving provides you an opportunity to heal and know you’re not alone. God takes the good and leave the dirt to fertilize the earth giving opportunities for growth and wisdom for faith.
Forgiveness isn’t for the person who hurt you forgiveness is for you to heal and learn from the hurt of the pain caused by someone you cared and loved.
This was an emotional read, but she puts you back together.
Kimori- for her to have suffered so many losses she was blessed abundantly with an amazing support system. Kimmie is definitely added as one of those top tier friends 💯
Karter- got on my last nerves, between his behavior and treatment of women. I was over him, Divine intervention had to have a hand in this man acting right cause he was out of control!
I’m definitely going to read more from this author!
YEASSSSS!! That's how you write a book!!! This is probably the best book I've read for the first part of 2024. Alecia, I have read every book you have written thus far, I see the growth in your writing. This book took me through all of the emotions, laughter, anger (Jennifer), sadness, and love. It also made me think of my mom and her bought with cancer and losing her. The way Pretty K and Karter's relationship grew from disliking each other, to friends, friends with benefits, and in love was organically beautifully written. LOVED IT!!
This was a very great read. Although it deals with loss , grief, and heartbreak it still is about love growth and overcoming. There is beauty in loss yes we lose a love one but they are no longer suffering they are healed on the other side. This book was very emotional for me but gave me insight on how even in grief still grieving O have overcome a lot. I’m stronger than I thought even after all these losses back to back. I loved their story and how they started off but ended be best forms and lovers they were what each other needed
I’m 89% in this book and had to stopped because i shed a tear. This book is emotional baby! It has everything in it! It goes through every stage of grief, this author either did her research d*amn good, or she is a hospice nurse! Baby kudos because you did that! You touched every emotion you could think of and I’m not even done. I had to stop reading to gather my emotions baby! Kimori and Karter….omg!!!! Somebody please go read this book!!! It’s sooooo goood!!