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Southern Belle
Rudy Rae is her name. She also goes by Minnie. She’s a Southern girl, born and raised in Albany, Georgia. Strong women raised her, although some might challenge that statement and view the women who raised her as weak because of how they allowed their husbands to treat them. At the tender age of thirteen years old, she was taught how to sit up straight, fix a man’s plate, and be the submissive wife that she needed to be. In her teenage years, Rudy wasn’t interested in these teachings. Instead, she had her head in her books and was determined to be the complete opposite of the women in her family. She wanted to go to college, graduate, and work in a promising career field where she could take care of herself. In this thing called life, things don't always go the way we plan.
Years go by, and Rudy is officially a woman. Her dreams and desires have fallen by the and been replaced by the duties of a proper southern wife and mother. She’s now married to Zacardi Marshall, the mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. Zacardi is the perfect husband and father from the outside looking in, but he can be a monster behind closed doors.
This book will take you on a journey of lessons. The seeds planted in Rudy’s head as a child played a significant role in how she bloomed as an adult. The same women she vowed to be nothing like might be the women she holds the most in common with.
Years go by, and Rudy is officially a woman. Her dreams and desires have fallen by the and been replaced by the duties of a proper southern wife and mother. She’s now married to Zacardi Marshall, the mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. Zacardi is the perfect husband and father from the outside looking in, but he can be a monster behind closed doors.
This book will take you on a journey of lessons. The seeds planted in Rudy’s head as a child played a significant role in how she bloomed as an adult. The same women she vowed to be nothing like might be the women she holds the most in common with.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2024
692 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
April 18, 2024
This story starts with Rudy as a 13 year old girl in Albany, Ga. At 13 years old the little girls in the town attend a Little Miss Southern Belle class where Rudy’s grandmother teaches them how to be “good wives”. The kind of wife that keeps her mouth closed. The kind that stays home to tend to the kids while the husband works. The kind that looks the other way when her husband cheats. The kind that will have to take a “beating” every once a while.
Rudy was a small, feisty little thing and she wanted to grow up to be an independent woman. She didn’t desire to be dependent upon her husband- she had dreams.
Imagine my surprise when the story jumps to Rudy being married to the Mayor of Atlanta with FIVE KIDS. Her husband, Zacardi, is the worst mmc I’ve read about in a long time. He was a liar, cheater, abuser, and literally wanted to keep Rudy “barefoot and pregnant”. I really struggled through his POV.
A lot of the beginning/middle of the book were repetitive in my opinion. You didn’t really get to the meat of the story until the end when secrets are exposed. Rudy’s mother and grandmother …horrible people and they continue to pass down trauma. I have faith that Rudy will be the one to break the cycle. I didn’t realize that this would be a series, but I’m open to finding out how this all ends for this family.
Definitely make sure you check the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. There is heavy abuse and colorism throughout the book.
Rudy was a small, feisty little thing and she wanted to grow up to be an independent woman. She didn’t desire to be dependent upon her husband- she had dreams.
Imagine my surprise when the story jumps to Rudy being married to the Mayor of Atlanta with FIVE KIDS. Her husband, Zacardi, is the worst mmc I’ve read about in a long time. He was a liar, cheater, abuser, and literally wanted to keep Rudy “barefoot and pregnant”. I really struggled through his POV.
A lot of the beginning/middle of the book were repetitive in my opinion. You didn’t really get to the meat of the story until the end when secrets are exposed. Rudy’s mother and grandmother …horrible people and they continue to pass down trauma. I have faith that Rudy will be the one to break the cycle. I didn’t realize that this would be a series, but I’m open to finding out how this all ends for this family.
Definitely make sure you check the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. There is heavy abuse and colorism throughout the book.
March 14, 2024
Horrifying Read
This is the most heinous book I've ever read.
I can't believe all the trauma this poor woman had to endure.
From people that should have loved and protected her.
If I had to rate this book on the actual content, I would rate it a negative 50k
But it was written so well and had me so completely invested it was hard to put down.
So many triggers. So much abuse. Rudy did not deserve any of this. Bless Iris for standing 10 toes down behind her friend. I just really hope Rudy gets her revenge WITH Green. Hopefully, Zoey is the catalyst that brings that scumbucket to his knees and sends him to h e l l. Literally.
This was my first read by this author...I need to know what happens next but I kind of hope I forget about it and let this entire story rest in pieces.
This is the most heinous book I've ever read.
I can't believe all the trauma this poor woman had to endure.
From people that should have loved and protected her.
If I had to rate this book on the actual content, I would rate it a negative 50k
But it was written so well and had me so completely invested it was hard to put down.
So many triggers. So much abuse. Rudy did not deserve any of this. Bless Iris for standing 10 toes down behind her friend. I just really hope Rudy gets her revenge WITH Green. Hopefully, Zoey is the catalyst that brings that scumbucket to his knees and sends him to h e l l. Literally.
This was my first read by this author...I need to know what happens next but I kind of hope I forget about it and let this entire story rest in pieces.
July 14, 2025
2.75⭐️
I really don’t even know what to say about this one. The pacing was good and I never really wanted to put it down but it wasn’t because it was a good book, more so just to see where this was headed.
Honestly, I was expecting something TOTALLY different when I picked it up. I was expecting historical fiction from the cover and the content at the beginning of the book (definitely misleading)
So imagine my surprise when the setting ended up being in present day! Huh?? How are these things happening now??🤔
It’s almost like historical fiction was the original plan for the book then somewhere it just took a turn to suspense mixed with a little urban fiction.
The theme and flow was kind of all over the place and I can’t say that I’m truly satisfied.
There was sooo much repetition. Topics and points were overused to the point that I was like “okaaaaay, I get it!!”
This left on a cliffhanger but honestly I’m not invested enough to continue.
Definitely one to pick up when you’re in the mood for something to just past the time as I did.
I really don’t even know what to say about this one. The pacing was good and I never really wanted to put it down but it wasn’t because it was a good book, more so just to see where this was headed.
Honestly, I was expecting something TOTALLY different when I picked it up. I was expecting historical fiction from the cover and the content at the beginning of the book (definitely misleading)
So imagine my surprise when the setting ended up being in present day! Huh?? How are these things happening now??🤔
It’s almost like historical fiction was the original plan for the book then somewhere it just took a turn to suspense mixed with a little urban fiction.
The theme and flow was kind of all over the place and I can’t say that I’m truly satisfied.
There was sooo much repetition. Topics and points were overused to the point that I was like “okaaaaay, I get it!!”
This left on a cliffhanger but honestly I’m not invested enough to continue.
Definitely one to pick up when you’re in the mood for something to just past the time as I did.
August 18, 2025
This book really struck a chord with me. I felt such a mix of anger and sadness as I read about Ruby's situation. It’s heartbreaking to think about how she was treated like a punching bag by her husband. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for her to stay with someone so controlling for so long. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships. This story taught me a lot, and I hope others can learn from Ruby's experience as well.
August 13, 2024
Omg the ending, left me speechless 😶 let me go read book 2‼️
July 2, 2025
GWRROOOLLLL….. I finished this book in a day and lemme tell you….. so good! 👏🏾👏🏾
There are SEVERAL TRIGGER WARNINGS such as abuse, abortion, mommy issues, lies etc.
WOW! I did NOT expect all that went on in this book but lemme tell you I ate it UP! I was rooting for Rudy the entire book and was so glad that she finally found some strength by the end.
Zacardi is DEF in my top 5 book villains. I HATED his character. Just pure evil and insanity. I think the mother Porsha came in at a strong #2 and Mimi the grandmother came in at a STRONG #3.
Such a tough story to read but so compelling. I’m immediately gonna read book 2 because THE WAY THAT IT ENDED 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
There are SEVERAL TRIGGER WARNINGS such as abuse, abortion, mommy issues, lies etc.
WOW! I did NOT expect all that went on in this book but lemme tell you I ate it UP! I was rooting for Rudy the entire book and was so glad that she finally found some strength by the end.
Zacardi is DEF in my top 5 book villains. I HATED his character. Just pure evil and insanity. I think the mother Porsha came in at a strong #2 and Mimi the grandmother came in at a STRONG #3.
Such a tough story to read but so compelling. I’m immediately gonna read book 2 because THE WAY THAT IT ENDED 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
November 15, 2025
Listen to me ! This book is waaaaaaay better than o anticipated! It’s very true to life and situations women , with husbands in power face ! She left no crumbs !
September 25, 2024
The way this man got me mad! I’m ready to jump into this book and fight zacardi! Throughout the whole book I was just waiting for Rudy’s inner Madea to do something…anything! Hoping in book 2 she gets her lick back because this man has my blood boiling!
Rubys family is the absolute worst! With every chapter I just kept wondering what else could she go through. But those last couple of pages had me shocked! I’m hooked and can’t wait to dive into book 2.
Please check trigger warnings for this book. A lot of Domestic abuse and gaslighting.
Rubys family is the absolute worst! With every chapter I just kept wondering what else could she go through. But those last couple of pages had me shocked! I’m hooked and can’t wait to dive into book 2.
Please check trigger warnings for this book. A lot of Domestic abuse and gaslighting.
January 12, 2025
I know they say “don’t judge a book by its cover”, but u was not at all expected the drama to unfold the way it did in this book. The pacing was a bit slow for me, but it definitely picked up towards the end. All in all the storyline is decent and interesting enough for me to read the second book in the series. I’m Interested to see what happens in Southern Belle 2.
November 29, 2025
I can wait to read/listen to book 2
did-not-finish
June 17, 2024Too much profanity for me
March 7, 2024
wow
I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book but I really enjoyed it. I absolutely dislike everyone in Minnie’s “family”. At least she did have Iris in her corner. Zacardi is the absolute worst person ever. The ending was so gripping to me. I didn’t know what was gonna happen. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book but I really enjoyed it. I absolutely dislike everyone in Minnie’s “family”. At least she did have Iris in her corner. Zacardi is the absolute worst person ever. The ending was so gripping to me. I didn’t know what was gonna happen. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
April 21, 2024
THIS BOOK
This book took me through every emotion and I can’t wait for Minnie to s*** on her husband, mama, grandma, tweety and everyone else who has hurt her. And how ironic that she gets a ride from her husband’s child that she doesn’t know about. I cannot wait to read book 2.
This book took me through every emotion and I can’t wait for Minnie to s*** on her husband, mama, grandma, tweety and everyone else who has hurt her. And how ironic that she gets a ride from her husband’s child that she doesn’t know about. I cannot wait to read book 2.
June 12, 2024
Have mercy!!!
The tears I've shed while reading this book. My my my my my 😢. This book is great, but it is very HEAVY. HEED THE TRIGGER WARNING. Just read the damn book.
The tears I've shed while reading this book. My my my my my 😢. This book is great, but it is very HEAVY. HEED THE TRIGGER WARNING. Just read the damn book.
September 15, 2025
Between Zacardi & Rudy’s family I was so mad at them the whole story😭😭😭… It’s a tough, heartbreaking read… & the twist at the end I did not expect at all but it all made sense. Debating on whether or not I want to read the second book, the first left on a cliffhanger😒..
I think I will read the second one to see how Rudy’s story ends…
I think I will read the second one to see how Rudy’s story ends…
May 25, 2024
wow
I’m shocked that in this modern day tale there’s mothers who believe it’s ok for their daughters to get abused by a man and take it! Through this whole book I’ve been waiting for his demise!
I’m shocked that in this modern day tale there’s mothers who believe it’s ok for their daughters to get abused by a man and take it! Through this whole book I’ve been waiting for his demise!
May 18, 2025
what’s love got to do with it ?!
Wow! This was very sad yet entertaining. I am dying to see how the story develops and if Rudy will prevail. I’m sure it’s a sequel to follow this because the story ended extremely abruptly in my opinion.
Wow! This was very sad yet entertaining. I am dying to see how the story develops and if Rudy will prevail. I’m sure it’s a sequel to follow this because the story ended extremely abruptly in my opinion.
November 29, 2025
I enjoyed the book, only thing the author was overly descriptive. It started slow but picked up at the end with plot twist. I might read the second book to see how ruby story ends. Give it a read
April 9, 2024
OMG so good!!!!!
Perfectly written. I never wanted the story to end. I pray there’s a sequel. I have to know what’s Rudy’s next move?!? Sad that I don’t know what to read after this! Speechless, so good.
Perfectly written. I never wanted the story to end. I pray there’s a sequel. I have to know what’s Rudy’s next move?!? Sad that I don’t know what to read after this! Speechless, so good.
March 12, 2024
There’s so much to unpack in this story. The one thing I didn’t like was the repetitiveness. This story isn’t that long to have to go over and over things, so I skimmed a few times, and if I have to skim, I take a star. Other than that, the author did what we wanted in a story, and that’s pulling on our emotions and keeping us locked into the story. Rudy, sigh. This young lady’s story took a turn from the very beginning. It definitely wasn’t the direction I thought her life would go. The generational trauma between mothers and their daughters, smh. Read the story, you won’t regret it. The only thing I regret is not knowing it was a series, now I have to wait (and remember) to read the second part.
April 23, 2024
Whew!!!!!
I'm glad this Author put a trigger warning in this book because it is definitely triggering for those who have suffered Mental, Verbal, Sexual and Physical abuse. At thirteen years old Rudy knew she was different and didn't want to be a married trophy housewife with children and no life outside of that. It was how her mother Portia and grandmother Mimi lived. Rudy want to be a Biologist. She had dreams that went far and beyond the generational curse that plagued the women in her family. When Portia told thirteen year old Rudy "When you get older. You're going to find a man that will break you." Rudy had no clue how true that statement was her mother said to her. Meeting Zacardi when she was twenty three. Rudy was blinded by his charming ways. Not knowing that Zacardi is a wolf in sheep clothing and them meeting wasn't a coincidence. Zacardi was an abusive, narcissistic, disrespectful, arrogant piece of s**t. To the outside world. He's Mayor Marshall who the city of Atlanta love. The man who is trying to make his city better. The man who is a loving husband and father. Behind close door he's beating and cheating on his wife Rudy. I was disgusted and disturbed at Rudy grandmother and mother. They knew Zacardi was beating Rudy and told her to basically suck it up because their husband's used to beat on them. Rudy realized then. Her family wasn't worth s**t. Rudy best friend Iris tried her best to get her to leave Zacardi but Iris have no clue how dangerous Zacardi really is. Tweety hoe ass being one of Rudy nemesis and bullied Rudy when they were young. Is creeping with Zacardi which is wrong on so many levels. Rudy isn't naive, dumb, or weak as people make her out to be. She's very intelligent and have a gift that her husband keep trying to downplay and belittle her for. She stayed in that marriage for the sake of her five children and she knows what Zacardi is capable of. Rudy wasn't home two days after having their fifth child and Zacardi still expected her to cook, clean, help the other children with homework, while tending to a newborn, a autistic four year old, as well as the other three children. Hell she was just shy of two weeks from having their younger son and Zacardi still forced sex with her. Even after telling Zacardi her body needed rest and she didn't want anymore children. He didn't care. He still ejaculated in her. Rudy made a decision that was best for herself and when Zacardi found out. All hell broke loose and Rudy knew it was time to walk away from their marriage. Zacardi being in his feelings. Yelled out a secret that shocked the hell out of Rudy. I was glad when Rudy finally told her Mimi and mother how she felt. Mimi was so far removed and nonchalant about being confronted. Portia didn't like Ruby checking her and let out a secret that hurt Rudy to her core. The secret her mother told opened Rudy eyes. She finally knew why Portia treated her differently from her two sister's Rogan and Riley. Zacardi skeletons are slowly spilling out of the closet. The walls are closing in on him. His past have came back to haunt him. Green is also ready to cash in on them favors he's done for Zacardi. I believe Zacardi and Ruby oldest daughter Bella knows something is off with her parents.
I'm glad this Author put a trigger warning in this book because it is definitely triggering for those who have suffered Mental, Verbal, Sexual and Physical abuse. At thirteen years old Rudy knew she was different and didn't want to be a married trophy housewife with children and no life outside of that. It was how her mother Portia and grandmother Mimi lived. Rudy want to be a Biologist. She had dreams that went far and beyond the generational curse that plagued the women in her family. When Portia told thirteen year old Rudy "When you get older. You're going to find a man that will break you." Rudy had no clue how true that statement was her mother said to her. Meeting Zacardi when she was twenty three. Rudy was blinded by his charming ways. Not knowing that Zacardi is a wolf in sheep clothing and them meeting wasn't a coincidence. Zacardi was an abusive, narcissistic, disrespectful, arrogant piece of s**t. To the outside world. He's Mayor Marshall who the city of Atlanta love. The man who is trying to make his city better. The man who is a loving husband and father. Behind close door he's beating and cheating on his wife Rudy. I was disgusted and disturbed at Rudy grandmother and mother. They knew Zacardi was beating Rudy and told her to basically suck it up because their husband's used to beat on them. Rudy realized then. Her family wasn't worth s**t. Rudy best friend Iris tried her best to get her to leave Zacardi but Iris have no clue how dangerous Zacardi really is. Tweety hoe ass being one of Rudy nemesis and bullied Rudy when they were young. Is creeping with Zacardi which is wrong on so many levels. Rudy isn't naive, dumb, or weak as people make her out to be. She's very intelligent and have a gift that her husband keep trying to downplay and belittle her for. She stayed in that marriage for the sake of her five children and she knows what Zacardi is capable of. Rudy wasn't home two days after having their fifth child and Zacardi still expected her to cook, clean, help the other children with homework, while tending to a newborn, a autistic four year old, as well as the other three children. Hell she was just shy of two weeks from having their younger son and Zacardi still forced sex with her. Even after telling Zacardi her body needed rest and she didn't want anymore children. He didn't care. He still ejaculated in her. Rudy made a decision that was best for herself and when Zacardi found out. All hell broke loose and Rudy knew it was time to walk away from their marriage. Zacardi being in his feelings. Yelled out a secret that shocked the hell out of Rudy. I was glad when Rudy finally told her Mimi and mother how she felt. Mimi was so far removed and nonchalant about being confronted. Portia didn't like Ruby checking her and let out a secret that hurt Rudy to her core. The secret her mother told opened Rudy eyes. She finally knew why Portia treated her differently from her two sister's Rogan and Riley. Zacardi skeletons are slowly spilling out of the closet. The walls are closing in on him. His past have came back to haunt him. Green is also ready to cash in on them favors he's done for Zacardi. I believe Zacardi and Ruby oldest daughter Bella knows something is off with her parents.
April 7, 2025
This was a 5 ⭐️ series. Deeply personal to me.
Book 1 ⛈️
How do you leave a man who beats you for sport? Where do you go when it seems like everyone is on his side?
Rudy, a mother of 5 is married to the mayor of ATL, Zacardi. He is the king of the city, who enjoys beating his wife, cheating and criminal activity on the side. The story gives light to the myth of couples goals and how things are not always what they appear to be.
The way this author took me through it and then took me OUT at the end! There was an influx of family secrets revealed that I was not ready for! I immediately had to start on Book 2 because Hell had to be paid and I needed to witness it!
I finished this book deeply disturbed. The book was so damn good, which means the domestic violence scenes were very realistic and graphic which means I was not ok. The author wasn’t afraid to go deep and dark.
Book 1 ⛈️
How do you leave a man who beats you for sport? Where do you go when it seems like everyone is on his side?
Rudy, a mother of 5 is married to the mayor of ATL, Zacardi. He is the king of the city, who enjoys beating his wife, cheating and criminal activity on the side. The story gives light to the myth of couples goals and how things are not always what they appear to be.
The way this author took me through it and then took me OUT at the end! There was an influx of family secrets revealed that I was not ready for! I immediately had to start on Book 2 because Hell had to be paid and I needed to witness it!
I finished this book deeply disturbed. The book was so damn good, which means the domestic violence scenes were very realistic and graphic which means I was not ok. The author wasn’t afraid to go deep and dark.
March 3, 2024
Hotter than fish grease!
That was the level of my temper after finishing this story, which was filled with some of the most abhorrent characters that I've come across in a good while! Rudy, Iris and the babies were the redeeming light and everyone else can GTH...where I'm sure the temperature is much hotter than that grease! DDJ where do we go from here and most importantly, when? I'm ready!
That was the level of my temper after finishing this story, which was filled with some of the most abhorrent characters that I've come across in a good while! Rudy, Iris and the babies were the redeeming light and everyone else can GTH...where I'm sure the temperature is much hotter than that grease! DDJ where do we go from here and most importantly, when? I'm ready!
March 13, 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Rudy Rae was raised & groomed by her mother and grandmother, to marry a wealthy man & be a submissive woman to her husband. To smile & endure whatever her husband dished out. After fourteen abusive years & five kids later, Rudy has had enough, and finally wants out of her marriage.
Rudy Rae was raised & groomed by her mother and grandmother, to marry a wealthy man & be a submissive woman to her husband. To smile & endure whatever her husband dished out. After fourteen abusive years & five kids later, Rudy has had enough, and finally wants out of her marriage.
May 28, 2025
Whew!
Where is the Book, because I need this one on my Shelf!
5 ⭐ Read
Ruby Rae a wife and mother in the heart of the South, where the name Southern Belle is used quite often, Atlanta, Georgia. She was married to the perfect man, Zacardi Marshall, the mayor of Atlanta. Since she was married to the mayor, she didn't want for nothing at all except to be who she was created to be.
**The way her mother raised her up to be towards men was because of generation trauma**
Since she was married to Zacardi, all she had to do was be pretty, take care of her husband's needs and desires and bore and take care of their children. This girl had 5 children, and she was tired of getting pregnant and going through childbearing. Zacardi who refused to get fixed didn't allow his wife to get fixed at all. Every time Ruby Rae went back to the doctor, she was pregnant, which was so selfish of Zacardi, he didn't care how much pain she was in giving birth to these children.
Another hidden secret about being married to Zacardi, the mayor of Atlanta was that even though he appeared to be loving he was an abusive manipulative monster. Ruby Rae was the epitome of Grace, she dealt with his infidelities, arrogant, abusive behavior without mumbling a word until Mr. Green showed up. That night bumping into Mr. Green unleashed the devil in Zacardi and that's when everything changed.
All the secrets, the lies, the beatings, Ruby Rae finally did what she should've been done.
The book was a slow start but did pick up towards the middle and end which lead me to book 2!
Highly Recommeded
Where is the Book, because I need this one on my Shelf!
5 ⭐ Read
Ruby Rae a wife and mother in the heart of the South, where the name Southern Belle is used quite often, Atlanta, Georgia. She was married to the perfect man, Zacardi Marshall, the mayor of Atlanta. Since she was married to the mayor, she didn't want for nothing at all except to be who she was created to be.
**The way her mother raised her up to be towards men was because of generation trauma**
Since she was married to Zacardi, all she had to do was be pretty, take care of her husband's needs and desires and bore and take care of their children. This girl had 5 children, and she was tired of getting pregnant and going through childbearing. Zacardi who refused to get fixed didn't allow his wife to get fixed at all. Every time Ruby Rae went back to the doctor, she was pregnant, which was so selfish of Zacardi, he didn't care how much pain she was in giving birth to these children.
Another hidden secret about being married to Zacardi, the mayor of Atlanta was that even though he appeared to be loving he was an abusive manipulative monster. Ruby Rae was the epitome of Grace, she dealt with his infidelities, arrogant, abusive behavior without mumbling a word until Mr. Green showed up. That night bumping into Mr. Green unleashed the devil in Zacardi and that's when everything changed.
All the secrets, the lies, the beatings, Ruby Rae finally did what she should've been done.
The book was a slow start but did pick up towards the middle and end which lead me to book 2!
Highly Recommeded
August 5, 2024
Title: Southern Belle
Author: Diamond D. Johnson
Publisher: D.D. Johnson
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Southern Belle" by Diamond D. Johnson
My Perception:
"Southern Belle" was some read that kept me shaking my head and saying I can't believe this!
There were so many things going on in this book that you had to keep up. Please read the 'Trigger Warning' because it may answer many questions that needed to be fully addressed in the story that seemed to be left out in part 1. But wait, part 2 of 'Southern Belle' will answer all the questions needed in this series. I wondered why there was no epilogue until I saw it was part two of this story! That husband who was a mayor Zacardi, why did Rudy stay with this horrible man who beat her? She had a wonderful friend, Iris...but she didn't listen to even her. What was up with Ruby's mother and grandmother? You will learn much about those two as you continue reading part 2 of this novel.
Yes, please keep on reading!!! This story goes on and on, and that ending from part 1 is off the chart, but there is much more when you pick up part 2, where you will discover everything from start to finish.
Okay, all that is left to say is to pick up part two after reading part one. You will see how well this story comes together, and all questions will be answered.
September 24, 2024
Rudy Rae is a Southern Girl raised in Albany, Georgia who goes by Minnie. At thirteen years old she was already being taught how to “be a lady,” fix a man’s plate and be the submissive wife she’s expected to be. Rudy was never interested in these teachings. She spent most of her days with her head in a book. Rudy wanted to go to college, graduate and go on into a promising career field. She was nothing like the women in her family and knew she was capable of taking care of herself. In this thing called life, sometimes things don’t go as planned and years later Rudy is a mother and wife. Her dreams have fallen to the wayside and her sole focus is pouring into her family. She’s now married to Zacardi Marshall who in the public eye is perfect in every way, but nothing is ever what it seems.
•••••
This book absolutely broke me. As someone who grew up seeing domestic violence, it was hard to read at times. The way that families are complicit in abuse continuing because they are benefiting from it is absolutely disgusting. The idea that abuse means that they love you too much is a sick mindset I’ve heard too many times. Definitely read the trigger warnings first. This was a heart aching read that had my emotions all over the place, but it was good!
•••••
This book absolutely broke me. As someone who grew up seeing domestic violence, it was hard to read at times. The way that families are complicit in abuse continuing because they are benefiting from it is absolutely disgusting. The idea that abuse means that they love you too much is a sick mindset I’ve heard too many times. Definitely read the trigger warnings first. This was a heart aching read that had my emotions all over the place, but it was good!
March 13, 2024
Rudy 💔💔💔
This is a new to me author. This was a nice read from her and I’ve heard this is very different from what she usually writes so here we go. My heart is broken for Rudy as everyone around her sucks for real…Porsche and her mother are in the list of worse mothers and grandmothers ever. Who sits back and encourage their child to go this type of trauma. Zachari, he really needed to be unalived so bad oooo I wish I could do it. He was doing a lot of dirty mess behind Rudy’s back and expected her to still be happy. Tweety and Amina these winches here give a new meaning side by side b!tches for real. Smile in this women face all while doing her dirty! In this whole book the only ppl like d was Rudy and Iris, IRIS is a friend everyone should have because she made it known that Rudy was her girl and she wasn’t about to let anyone okay with her at all. Iris knew that Zachari wasn’t about anything and wanted her to leave but Rudy had to be at a place of sick and tired of being sick and tired. I did shed tears while reading this because so many women go through this in their lives as we speak. I hope this book reaches a woman who finds her strength to leave.
This is a new to me author. This was a nice read from her and I’ve heard this is very different from what she usually writes so here we go. My heart is broken for Rudy as everyone around her sucks for real…Porsche and her mother are in the list of worse mothers and grandmothers ever. Who sits back and encourage their child to go this type of trauma. Zachari, he really needed to be unalived so bad oooo I wish I could do it. He was doing a lot of dirty mess behind Rudy’s back and expected her to still be happy. Tweety and Amina these winches here give a new meaning side by side b!tches for real. Smile in this women face all while doing her dirty! In this whole book the only ppl like d was Rudy and Iris, IRIS is a friend everyone should have because she made it known that Rudy was her girl and she wasn’t about to let anyone okay with her at all. Iris knew that Zachari wasn’t about anything and wanted her to leave but Rudy had to be at a place of sick and tired of being sick and tired. I did shed tears while reading this because so many women go through this in their lives as we speak. I hope this book reaches a woman who finds her strength to leave.
August 7, 2025
🌺 Book Review: Southern Belle by Diamond Johnson
This book hit home—literally and emotionally. As someone from Albany, GA, I saw familiar streets, familiar struggles, and that all-too-familiar silence that Southern women carry with a smile. Southern Belle isn’t just a story—it’s a mirror, and what it reflects? Whew… it cuts deep.
Diamond Johnson peeled back the layers of what women, especially wives, were expected to endure behind closed doors. The pressure to be poised, pretty, and perfect—even when you’re breaking. The quiet sacrifices. The truths swallowed just to keep an image polished. It was heavy. It was real. And baby, it was necessary.
And that ending? That shit broke me. Like ugly cry, heart in pieces, staring at the last page like… no she didn’t kind of broken. But also? It made me think. It made me angry. It made me proud. It made me see.
This book is Southern Gothic pain wrapped in pearls and secrets—and it deserves to be read, remembered, and respected.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(For the truth, the power, the beauty in the breakdown, and the fact that I’ll never forget it.)
This book hit home—literally and emotionally. As someone from Albany, GA, I saw familiar streets, familiar struggles, and that all-too-familiar silence that Southern women carry with a smile. Southern Belle isn’t just a story—it’s a mirror, and what it reflects? Whew… it cuts deep.
Diamond Johnson peeled back the layers of what women, especially wives, were expected to endure behind closed doors. The pressure to be poised, pretty, and perfect—even when you’re breaking. The quiet sacrifices. The truths swallowed just to keep an image polished. It was heavy. It was real. And baby, it was necessary.
And that ending? That shit broke me. Like ugly cry, heart in pieces, staring at the last page like… no she didn’t kind of broken. But also? It made me think. It made me angry. It made me proud. It made me see.
This book is Southern Gothic pain wrapped in pearls and secrets—and it deserves to be read, remembered, and respected.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(For the truth, the power, the beauty in the breakdown, and the fact that I’ll never forget it.)
May 27, 2024
Amazing Story
I thought I was ready for what was inside this book, but I wasn’t!!!…
This book took my emotions on so many highs and lows!!!…
It’s unfortunate that an entire family held so many secrets that they convinced themselves is was meant to help you, but all they did was assist in breaking you!!!…
Minnie will definitely rise above all that has been dragging her downs all that has hurt her!!!…
Zacardi knows he has a WHOLE DINNER DATE WITH KARMA!!!…
In walks Zoey, the prize that will be Zacardi’s nightmare for sure, but a life saver for Rudy!!…
I love everything about Iris and her support of Rudy, even knowing she could get her to leave her husband!!!…
I can’t wait to see what happens with Portia, Mimi, Tweetie and Zacardi because I’m sure life is going to change for them all!!!…
I thought I was ready for what was inside this book, but I wasn’t!!!…
This book took my emotions on so many highs and lows!!!…
It’s unfortunate that an entire family held so many secrets that they convinced themselves is was meant to help you, but all they did was assist in breaking you!!!…
Minnie will definitely rise above all that has been dragging her downs all that has hurt her!!!…
Zacardi knows he has a WHOLE DINNER DATE WITH KARMA!!!…
In walks Zoey, the prize that will be Zacardi’s nightmare for sure, but a life saver for Rudy!!…
I love everything about Iris and her support of Rudy, even knowing she could get her to leave her husband!!!…
I can’t wait to see what happens with Portia, Mimi, Tweetie and Zacardi because I’m sure life is going to change for them all!!!…
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