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The Bag Ladies of Ebondale:
What happens when unpacking your emotional baggage reveals more than you bargained for?
On Chicago's South Side, in the fictional close-knit community of Ebondale, four friends join a unique therapy group, where secrets and long-hidden truths rise to the surface, testing the bonds of their sisterhood in ways that could either tear them apart or bring them closer than ever.
Each woman shoulders emotional scars that weigh heavily on her spirit. When a scandal threatens to unravel their fragile peace, will these best friends turn on each other, or will they trust in the healing power of truth?
Follow Josie, Londyn, Mia, and Brianna as they strip away the facades they've hidden behind for years, facing deep wounds and harsh realities on their path to healing, self-awareness, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. Their journey of strength and transformation mirrors the challenges many of us face. Are you prepared to embrace the truth?
On Chicago's South Side, in the fictional close-knit community of Ebondale, four friends join a unique therapy group, where secrets and long-hidden truths rise to the surface, testing the bonds of their sisterhood in ways that could either tear them apart or bring them closer than ever.
Each woman shoulders emotional scars that weigh heavily on her spirit. When a scandal threatens to unravel their fragile peace, will these best friends turn on each other, or will they trust in the healing power of truth?
Follow Josie, Londyn, Mia, and Brianna as they strip away the facades they've hidden behind for years, facing deep wounds and harsh realities on their path to healing, self-awareness, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. Their journey of strength and transformation mirrors the challenges many of us face. Are you prepared to embrace the truth?
- GenresAfrican AmericanEbooks
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2024
589 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Davis-Newell
6 books41 followersAward-winning author Michelle Davis-Newell was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. As a child, she was shy and withdrawn due to relentless bullying that impacted her self-esteem. This isolation nurtured her creative side, leading her to a love for reading and writing. In 1980, at just ten years old, she submitted a hand-written thirty-page novel to Harlequin Romance, along with a heartfelt letter expressing her dream of becoming an author to lift her family out of poverty. Although she received a rejection letter, Michelle was ecstatic to get a response.
Despite excelling academically, Michelle's home life became tumultuous, and by 21, she was a single mother of three on welfare. Refusing to succumb to her circumstances, she challenged any complacency, eventually achieving economic self-sufficiency. In 2016, she fulfilled a promise to her late mother by returning to school and earning a bachelor’s degree in education.
Michelle's passion for writing never waned. She independently published her first novel, "Ain’t Understandin Mellow?" in 2006, and contributed to the anthology "The Shattered Glass Effect'' in 2007. Her memoir, "Ruby Slippers: Fairy Tales My Mother Told Me, Real Life Truths I Never Told Her," was released in 2013. After a hiatus following the tragic loss of her younger brother in 2018, Michelle is set to release her latest novel, "The Bag Ladies of Ebondale," in fall 2024.
Together with her husband, Michelle founded Scribe-Rite Publishing LLC, continuing her commitment to storytelling and inspiring others through her words.
Despite excelling academically, Michelle's home life became tumultuous, and by 21, she was a single mother of three on welfare. Refusing to succumb to her circumstances, she challenged any complacency, eventually achieving economic self-sufficiency. In 2016, she fulfilled a promise to her late mother by returning to school and earning a bachelor’s degree in education.
Michelle's passion for writing never waned. She independently published her first novel, "Ain’t Understandin Mellow?" in 2006, and contributed to the anthology "The Shattered Glass Effect'' in 2007. Her memoir, "Ruby Slippers: Fairy Tales My Mother Told Me, Real Life Truths I Never Told Her," was released in 2013. After a hiatus following the tragic loss of her younger brother in 2018, Michelle is set to release her latest novel, "The Bag Ladies of Ebondale," in fall 2024.
Together with her husband, Michelle founded Scribe-Rite Publishing LLC, continuing her commitment to storytelling and inspiring others through her words.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 23, 2024
Good read about 4 women and their relationship issues. I like the use of therapy, specifically for the African American community. Mia's storyline surprised me the most. And her Grandmother was the best! Briana's story was the most heartbreaking.
I feel that this book was too wordy. The authors descriptions of irrelevant subjects made the book drag at times. The therapy sessions, while helpful, also went on for too long.
Overall, a nice end of year read!
I feel that this book was too wordy. The authors descriptions of irrelevant subjects made the book drag at times. The therapy sessions, while helpful, also went on for too long.
Overall, a nice end of year read!
January 30, 2025
Emotional Rollercoaster
3.5/5 This book definitely had a lot going on, In my opinion there was areas that had too much detail and in other areas not enough. This story is about four ladies that are friends and have a lot of baggage and decide to do group therapy to unpack that baggage, each session is very emotional and tension rises between some. I didn’t have trouble keeping up with the ladies and their baggage but I didn’t like the titles of the chapters because they kinda of told you what was going to happen.
3.5/5 This book definitely had a lot going on, In my opinion there was areas that had too much detail and in other areas not enough. This story is about four ladies that are friends and have a lot of baggage and decide to do group therapy to unpack that baggage, each session is very emotional and tension rises between some. I didn’t have trouble keeping up with the ladies and their baggage but I didn’t like the titles of the chapters because they kinda of told you what was going to happen.
January 22, 2025
This book was really good! It gave Waiting to Exhale meets Insecure meets Harlem, to me lol. The ladies of Ebondale truly had some baggage but I loveddddd how they decided to unpack it. It highlighted a lot of what women go through in relationships and I felt the author did a great job portraying that. The heaviness of Brianna’s story was maybe the only thing that I could’ve went without but I understand why it needed to be there.
June 5, 2025
3.75 🌟 2024/2025 version of Waiting to Exhale but on steroids. I really enjoyed the Bag Ladies Counseling sessions. We all could use this type of therapy to release some BAGGAGE!! This book could have been shorter as there was too much description of things when there didn’t really need to be. And the use of the word “cos” by everyone really bothered me for some reason.
January 9, 2025
Drama! Messy! Whew, it was a lot to unpack in these 400 pages…
4 friend girls (Brianna, Josie, Mia, and Londyn) coincidentally all going thru relationship dramas begin to have group therapy sessions with Jasmine, who also has a bit of drama of her own, tell their stories of how they attempt to navigate through their tough situations… Although I did actually enjoy the drama and the storyline, I wasn’t particularly a fan of the writing… idk I’m no pro by any means but it felt soooo wordy at times…
4 friend girls (Brianna, Josie, Mia, and Londyn) coincidentally all going thru relationship dramas begin to have group therapy sessions with Jasmine, who also has a bit of drama of her own, tell their stories of how they attempt to navigate through their tough situations… Although I did actually enjoy the drama and the storyline, I wasn’t particularly a fan of the writing… idk I’m no pro by any means but it felt soooo wordy at times…
October 25, 2024
empowerment
The ladies were able to take out the trash, peeling back layers of hurt, insecurities, and fear! 6 years is a long time to be entangled- Josie got more work to do!
The ladies were able to take out the trash, peeling back layers of hurt, insecurities, and fear! 6 years is a long time to be entangled- Josie got more work to do!
April 25, 2025
I just finished reading this book and I can't wait to discuss it at my book club meeting. These 4 ladies got them some real baggage. You have 4 friends: Mia who has twins by a liar, London who has a good man who doesn't believe in marriage which makes her insecure, Brianna who loves a man as a project and Josie who is in a relationship w/ someone who is engaged. In strolls Sara with her messy past and present. And with the help of the therapist/psychiatrist, Jasmine, you have one interesting story! #GiveItARead
February 10, 2025
Ruminate 😴
My goodness that was intense 😮💨‼️“The Bag Ladies of Ebondale” was an excellent read. However, Nubian needs some time to de-escalate from all that she experienced with these women (for ten hours 😵💫🤭). I’ll submit a full review tomorrow…
My goodness that was intense 😮💨‼️“The Bag Ladies of Ebondale” was an excellent read. However, Nubian needs some time to de-escalate from all that she experienced with these women (for ten hours 😵💫🤭). I’ll submit a full review tomorrow…
November 11, 2024
Good read
I liked the concept of the bag ladies meeting and her demonstration for them, but I also liked that these ladies were relatable with their baggage. Very well written out story.
I liked the concept of the bag ladies meeting and her demonstration for them, but I also liked that these ladies were relatable with their baggage. Very well written out story.
October 23, 2024
Breathtaking!
I saw a little bit of myself in each woman's story...this delved deep into why we do the things we do as women and how we can face our demons head-on and come out of the fire better and stronger! This was a great book but I wish there was more. Kudos to this Author!
I saw a little bit of myself in each woman's story...this delved deep into why we do the things we do as women and how we can face our demons head-on and come out of the fire better and stronger! This was a great book but I wish there was more. Kudos to this Author!
October 4, 2024
Powerful
I enjoyed this book the twist and turns had me captivated. I love how the ladies in this book had each other back at the end of the day.
I enjoyed this book the twist and turns had me captivated. I love how the ladies in this book had each other back at the end of the day.
September 22, 2024
THIS BOOK SHOULD BE A MOVIE
I truly believe this book should be a movie. The title alone is so befitting of life and experience. I loved the bag ladies stories and the support they gave each other. There was some triggering moments but in total it is well worth the read. I love books about friendship and sometimes truth is hard. A good girlfriend is hard to find. This a must read book for any age woman.
I truly believe this book should be a movie. The title alone is so befitting of life and experience. I loved the bag ladies stories and the support they gave each other. There was some triggering moments but in total it is well worth the read. I love books about friendship and sometimes truth is hard. A good girlfriend is hard to find. This a must read book for any age woman.
February 10, 2025
My goodness that was intense 😮💨‼️“The Bag Ladies of Ebondale” was an excellent read. However, Nubian needs some time to de-escalate from all that she experienced with these women (for ten hours 😵💫🤭). I’ll submit a full review tomorrow…for now, my thoughts, feelings & opinions need to ruminate first a few hours 😴!
February 28, 2025
Hmmm (slight spoilers)
I struggled to find a heading that made sense, and oddly, when I typed “hmmmm”, it was perfect.
This book has a few layers that made you think, made you frustrated, made you angry and exhausted all at the same time. The complexities of childhood trauma juxtaposed with the fragility of adult functionality is explored in a way that leaves a desire for more. I suspect there is a reason the author did not go deeper but there was much more that needed a good tease out.
Or perhaps not. Perhaps part of the frustration of life is there are situations that do not come with a bow. It’s not neat or resolved..and life must go on.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and the women in the sisterhood were likable enough.
I struggled to find a heading that made sense, and oddly, when I typed “hmmmm”, it was perfect.
This book has a few layers that made you think, made you frustrated, made you angry and exhausted all at the same time. The complexities of childhood trauma juxtaposed with the fragility of adult functionality is explored in a way that leaves a desire for more. I suspect there is a reason the author did not go deeper but there was much more that needed a good tease out.
Or perhaps not. Perhaps part of the frustration of life is there are situations that do not come with a bow. It’s not neat or resolved..and life must go on.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and the women in the sisterhood were likable enough.
July 16, 2025
Really great story of growth and sisterhood!
Wow! This story touched on many of the emotional and testing issues women face. These women had endured much in their lives, both personally and romantically. What I really loved was the Bag lady meetings and how it gave the friends support and strength to make the moves in their lives that were right for them. Because it's not always just about being with someone because you’re in love, it's about loving yourself first and making decisions that will truly fulfill and make you happy in the end. Looking forward to this author's next book that I hear she is working on.
Wow! This story touched on many of the emotional and testing issues women face. These women had endured much in their lives, both personally and romantically. What I really loved was the Bag lady meetings and how it gave the friends support and strength to make the moves in their lives that were right for them. Because it's not always just about being with someone because you’re in love, it's about loving yourself first and making decisions that will truly fulfill and make you happy in the end. Looking forward to this author's next book that I hear she is working on.
April 10, 2025
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! What a grab your pearls , along with your heart, crazy journey!
Josie, Brianna, Mia, Londyn, and later, Sarah were all looking for love and security in all the wrong places. Mike, Donovan, Jeremy, Danny and Brianna's step-father should all burn in hell for their selfish betrayals, towards these women.. I did love the theme of placing all of your insecurities in a bag and then after some really heart searching therapy, dumping them all in the trash.
Awesome story!!!!
Josie, Brianna, Mia, Londyn, and later, Sarah were all looking for love and security in all the wrong places. Mike, Donovan, Jeremy, Danny and Brianna's step-father should all burn in hell for their selfish betrayals, towards these women.. I did love the theme of placing all of your insecurities in a bag and then after some really heart searching therapy, dumping them all in the trash.
Awesome story!!!!
September 3, 2025
A start to discover You
This book does discuss trauma and may be hard for anyone who has dealt with trauma. Firstof all, this book is enlightening, and I enjoyed the story of how it depicted struggles in all of us. Touching on inner turmoil that at times keep us from moving on from the past. These ladies showed tremendous struggles that I feel are within every community with what should be or not. Discovering not talking about things just brings more pain. Showing that counseling gives clarity and strength to move forward to be and do better.
This book does discuss trauma and may be hard for anyone who has dealt with trauma. Firstof all, this book is enlightening, and I enjoyed the story of how it depicted struggles in all of us. Touching on inner turmoil that at times keep us from moving on from the past. These ladies showed tremendous struggles that I feel are within every community with what should be or not. Discovering not talking about things just brings more pain. Showing that counseling gives clarity and strength to move forward to be and do better.
March 8, 2025
Awesome, Enlightening and Powerful
I loved this book. This book was about mental health, friendship, love, support, and letting go of some hard things. The author, Michelle Davis-Newell, did a great job in displaying the diversity of the town of Obondale. I felt like I lived there at one point in my life. Her attention to detail was awesome. Each of the characters' stories was real and relatable. This book held my attention from beginning till the end.
I loved this book. This book was about mental health, friendship, love, support, and letting go of some hard things. The author, Michelle Davis-Newell, did a great job in displaying the diversity of the town of Obondale. I felt like I lived there at one point in my life. Her attention to detail was awesome. Each of the characters' stories was real and relatable. This book held my attention from beginning till the end.
December 6, 2024
In It Together
The characters of the book were so diverse in their ways of dealing with life. It was challenging at times to keep all the specifics together but the hope that they would persevere kept me engaged. The backdrop of the sessions made the story and enabled you to get a deeper look.
The characters of the book were so diverse in their ways of dealing with life. It was challenging at times to keep all the specifics together but the hope that they would persevere kept me engaged. The backdrop of the sessions made the story and enabled you to get a deeper look.
December 7, 2024
This was such a beautifully written story. I saw a piece of myself in so much of this. I know they were getting therapy but it was also therapeutic for myself. This is what things like the b.r.a.e. are so important because without that I would’ve never found this story. This is a story of grown women who have loved, hurt and are now working on healing. 10/10 highly recommend!!
December 15, 2024
We are all a form of bag ladies
I love walking through the lives of these 5 ladies. To see all ladies come together and work on their personal issues was refreshing. Through all the ups and downs, they find their way back to each other to support one another. This book also shows how important it is to unpack things in therapy.
I love walking through the lives of these 5 ladies. To see all ladies come together and work on their personal issues was refreshing. Through all the ups and downs, they find their way back to each other to support one another. This book also shows how important it is to unpack things in therapy.
December 31, 2024
Very well written story about 4 friends who live in Chicago and how their lives intersect and how they support each other through daily life, including unfaithful men, an alcoholic mother, and a number of other surprises along the way. I really enjoyed reading this book and found myself rooting for all of them to succeed and be happy.
February 14, 2025
Love hurts
Josie, Londyn, Mia, and Briana, very close friends, have secrets they have kept from themselves and each other. Along comes Briana's therapist who suggests a group therapy to help them along. They find secrets about themselves which brings about anger and resentment. Trouble break out between them. Will it bring them closer together or break up their friendship?
Josie, Londyn, Mia, and Briana, very close friends, have secrets they have kept from themselves and each other. Along comes Briana's therapist who suggests a group therapy to help them along. They find secrets about themselves which brings about anger and resentment. Trouble break out between them. Will it bring them closer together or break up their friendship?
February 19, 2025
Pack light
I have this book 4 stars because I could see everyday life in the characters. It did start off a little slow for me but it got better. I think this novel could be an eye opener for people who are dealing with parachutes and relationships. We tend to carry a lot of things and don't even realize that it's weighing us down.
I have this book 4 stars because I could see everyday life in the characters. It did start off a little slow for me but it got better. I think this novel could be an eye opener for people who are dealing with parachutes and relationships. We tend to carry a lot of things and don't even realize that it's weighing us down.
December 17, 2024
This was a great book
I loved the community and friends ship with the women. This book helped me to remember the importance of having people in you life that will stand up for you as well as letting you know when you are wrong. It was all done in Love
I loved the community and friends ship with the women. This book helped me to remember the importance of having people in you life that will stand up for you as well as letting you know when you are wrong. It was all done in Love
December 22, 2024
Very Real!
This book resonated with me in so many ways. I saw a little bit of myself and past experiences in each character, except Sarah. We are all bag ladies! We just have to chose the kind of bags we need or want to carry! Love this book!
This book resonated with me in so many ways. I saw a little bit of myself and past experiences in each character, except Sarah. We are all bag ladies! We just have to chose the kind of bags we need or want to carry! Love this book!
January 27, 2025
I’m struggling with rating this one. There’s a lot and I mean a lot happening in this book. Strong supporter of therapy and the importance of friendship. Maybe too many issues in this book and at times hard to keep up with it all.
February 6, 2025
Release that baggage!
This book hit on so many levels! Definitely a good bookclub book, or a girlfriend group read! Each character made a breakthrough....even before they realized it
This book hit on so many levels! Definitely a good bookclub book, or a girlfriend group read! Each character made a breakthrough....even before they realized it
March 15, 2025
Bag Ladies Unite!
I liked every thing about this book. The author was at her best developing characters that I could really see in my mind's eye and feel in my heart. It was a great read.
I liked every thing about this book. The author was at her best developing characters that I could really see in my mind's eye and feel in my heart. It was a great read.
March 23, 2025
Sequel Needed - Awesome read!
This book is truly inspirational and powerful enough for me to start the group I've been wanting to start with my sisterfriends for a long time. Kudos to you, Mrs. Davis-Newell! We need a sequel!
This book is truly inspirational and powerful enough for me to start the group I've been wanting to start with my sisterfriends for a long time. Kudos to you, Mrs. Davis-Newell! We need a sequel!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews