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Seven Days Seven Dates: A Kwanzaa Holiday Story
Anniston Buckley, a devoted single mom and hopeful romantic, has spent the years since her divorce focused on raising her son and building her career, leaving little room for love. In a bold attempt to reignite her passion, she enrolls in a seven-day matchmaking program inspired by the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. Run by the charismatic Hadassah and Joel Brighton—famous for fostering meaningful connections—the program promises transformative experiences that go far beyond blind dates.
Samar ‘Sam’ Harding, pragmatic and guarded after a painful breakup, isn’t looking for a fairytale. But as a close friend of the Brightons, he takes a leap of faith, willing to see where this week of shared experiences and reflection might lead.
Over seven days, as Annie and Sam navigate moments of doubt and discovery, they begin to question their pasts and imagine new futures. From unity to purpose, each principle of Kwanzaa pushes them closer to healing—and to each other. What began as a simple matchmaking experiment blossoms into a profound journey of love, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace the unexpected. Together, they might just find the connection they didn’t know they were searching for—and rewrite their stories forever.
Samar ‘Sam’ Harding, pragmatic and guarded after a painful breakup, isn’t looking for a fairytale. But as a close friend of the Brightons, he takes a leap of faith, willing to see where this week of shared experiences and reflection might lead.
Over seven days, as Annie and Sam navigate moments of doubt and discovery, they begin to question their pasts and imagine new futures. From unity to purpose, each principle of Kwanzaa pushes them closer to healing—and to each other. What began as a simple matchmaking experiment blossoms into a profound journey of love, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace the unexpected. Together, they might just find the connection they didn’t know they were searching for—and rewrite their stories forever.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
172 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 23, 2024
Bailey West was a pleasant surprise by way of new authors for me this year! I love her writing style and the way she brings stories to life! You can always count on many lessons while reading so the Kwanza representation was amazingly woven into the story! I would have loved more spark between the characters but overall it was a really good read. 3.5✨’s
December 22, 2024
What a beautiful journey to love! I am really enjoying the matchmaking experiences in black spaces. Samar and Annie both came into this process full of hope but also doubt. Can I really connect with someone in seven days? Is the hype real behind Onyx Fusion, and should I trust it?
Samar, a driven and a successful man in the tech world, hasn't made time for romance although he craves it. After his bitter breakup he just doesn't know if he wants to go through that again. However, when his friends tell him about the matchmaking process that uses the backdrop of Kwanzaa principles, he takes the bait.
Anniston "Annie" divorced mother of one, understands that her first marriage did not work out, but she still craves companionship. She goes into this process with open eyes hoping to find a man who she can partner with, and love.
When both Samar and Annie meet, there is a spark, and the chemistry starts to bubble immediately. They find that their conversations are easy, they have a lot in common and are learning from the other daily. Doubt does pop up on both their parts, as they question can it be this simple. Can a person I just met days ago already be under my skin, and I crave their presence? They stay the course and trust the process.
I was getting a bit worried that I would not get a word in this read, as I am accustomed to in Bailey West reads. Hold on.... Pastor Abigail Lewis tore it up during the gospel brunch!! Had me asking myself, "what are you doing"? I wish we got a bit more of the couple before the epilogue, however, I enjoyed it, nonetheless. 👍🏾👍🏾
Samar, a driven and a successful man in the tech world, hasn't made time for romance although he craves it. After his bitter breakup he just doesn't know if he wants to go through that again. However, when his friends tell him about the matchmaking process that uses the backdrop of Kwanzaa principles, he takes the bait.
Anniston "Annie" divorced mother of one, understands that her first marriage did not work out, but she still craves companionship. She goes into this process with open eyes hoping to find a man who she can partner with, and love.
When both Samar and Annie meet, there is a spark, and the chemistry starts to bubble immediately. They find that their conversations are easy, they have a lot in common and are learning from the other daily. Doubt does pop up on both their parts, as they question can it be this simple. Can a person I just met days ago already be under my skin, and I crave their presence? They stay the course and trust the process.
I was getting a bit worried that I would not get a word in this read, as I am accustomed to in Bailey West reads. Hold on.... Pastor Abigail Lewis tore it up during the gospel brunch!! Had me asking myself, "what are you doing"? I wish we got a bit more of the couple before the epilogue, however, I enjoyed it, nonetheless. 👍🏾👍🏾
December 20, 2024
Loved It!!
Ok so first let me say I need Onyx Fusion to be real! I know that when I open a Bailey West book I’m gonna feel the love and get a word. Both were present in this one. I loved the concept and how well she incorporated the Kwanzaa principles into their story. I learned something but it didn’t feel forced. Not gonna lie I was a little iffy about Samar but I knew it was a warp for him after their first night together. This was a very well written romance, the chemistry was present, there was intimacy between these two. Loved seeing old friends too! Netflix need go ahead and give me this on tv next year. Thanks!
Ok so first let me say I need Onyx Fusion to be real! I know that when I open a Bailey West book I’m gonna feel the love and get a word. Both were present in this one. I loved the concept and how well she incorporated the Kwanzaa principles into their story. I learned something but it didn’t feel forced. Not gonna lie I was a little iffy about Samar but I knew it was a warp for him after their first night together. This was a very well written romance, the chemistry was present, there was intimacy between these two. Loved seeing old friends too! Netflix need go ahead and give me this on tv next year. Thanks!
December 27, 2025
Bailey West has quickly become one of my favorite writers. Not only does she bring her characters to such vivid and vibrant life, but her stories are filled with such wisdom and common sense, I discover something valuable every time I journey through one of her stories.
Anniston Buckley and Samar Harding are looking for love in all the right places. Inspired by the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, they follow not only the tenets but learn how to apply them for each step of the assignment. I loved the journal part of it as they shared what they learned from each step.
Their journey was so incredible and as soon as I turned the last page, I was ready to re-read it again!
December 19, 2024
Loved this; just like I loved last year's story, too! I really appreciate Bailey West for incorporating the principles of Kwanzaa into realistic and romantic stories.
I wish OnyxFusion was a real service-- I would put quite a few people I know onto it;)
I wish OnyxFusion was a real service-- I would put quite a few people I know onto it;)
December 29, 2024
This was a suuuuper good story! I really appreciated the detailed elements of Kwanzaa embedded into their dates. I wish something like this program truly existed!! I love how the characters honed in to their feelings and didn’t shy away from their truths.
December 22, 2025
This was such a feel good, cute story.
December 22, 2024
Seven days Seven dates
I really enjoyed this holiday story. It gave me holiday romance with forced proximity and a bit of matchmaking.
I loved the MCs together and could feel their chemistry off the page. Samar and Anniston seemed to have so much in common even down to their coffee order and yet were so different at times, that they created the perfect balance for their relationship. I also enjoyed the theme with the seven days and seven dates while having to share space because it took away outside distractions and allowed them to get to know each other and fall for each other organically. I loved the date ideas and that they were centered around themes of Kwanzaa.
This would not be a Bailey West story without some history, lessons and a powerful sermon and this story delivered on all fronts. Pastor Abigail delivered a mighty word about not hiding and stepping into what and who God has called you to be unapologetically and that message was received. I’m still hoping that we will get Abigail’s story too.
This was a well written story and I would highly recommend.
I really enjoyed this holiday story. It gave me holiday romance with forced proximity and a bit of matchmaking.
I loved the MCs together and could feel their chemistry off the page. Samar and Anniston seemed to have so much in common even down to their coffee order and yet were so different at times, that they created the perfect balance for their relationship. I also enjoyed the theme with the seven days and seven dates while having to share space because it took away outside distractions and allowed them to get to know each other and fall for each other organically. I loved the date ideas and that they were centered around themes of Kwanzaa.
This would not be a Bailey West story without some history, lessons and a powerful sermon and this story delivered on all fronts. Pastor Abigail delivered a mighty word about not hiding and stepping into what and who God has called you to be unapologetically and that message was received. I’m still hoping that we will get Abigail’s story too.
This was a well written story and I would highly recommend.
January 24, 2025
Completed Package
Wow, this makes perfect sense now that I’ve viewed Ms. West’s literary catalog. I just read the “Whip N’ Fade” series back in November 2024. ..another great read! Nevertheless, I adored the constructive activities, structural principles specifically for Africa Americans dating & the general “Seven Days Seven Dates: A Kwanzaa Holiday Story” (4.25⭐’s) concept for any season! Anniston & Samar made a great couple in their “Seven” environment. However, their story needed at least one more chapter. The audience experienced the beginning and we know how the story ended. But I just wanted a glimpse into their transition, from the house…the courtship..their mutual commitment, you know the completed package. Meanwhile, the real challenge “Seven Days Seven Dates: The Senior’s Edition”. Yup, we want to experience dates, dining, dancing, cultural events, traveling, romance, companionship, love etc. again too…just in sensible shoes, toot-toot 🤷🏾♀️🤭‼️
Wow, this makes perfect sense now that I’ve viewed Ms. West’s literary catalog. I just read the “Whip N’ Fade” series back in November 2024. ..another great read! Nevertheless, I adored the constructive activities, structural principles specifically for Africa Americans dating & the general “Seven Days Seven Dates: A Kwanzaa Holiday Story” (4.25⭐’s) concept for any season! Anniston & Samar made a great couple in their “Seven” environment. However, their story needed at least one more chapter. The audience experienced the beginning and we know how the story ended. But I just wanted a glimpse into their transition, from the house…the courtship..their mutual commitment, you know the completed package. Meanwhile, the real challenge “Seven Days Seven Dates: The Senior’s Edition”. Yup, we want to experience dates, dining, dancing, cultural events, traveling, romance, companionship, love etc. again too…just in sensible shoes, toot-toot 🤷🏾♀️🤭‼️
December 23, 2025
This Christmas novella is about a couple who has seven dates based upon the seven tenants of Kwanzaa. It’s a cute premise and the way the dates are set up it allows the main characters Sam and Annie to really get to know each other.
I liked the story. I liked the progression of their love story and then they had sex for the first time. And I wanted to scream. If you’re not comfortable writing spicy sex scenes, fade to black. Yeap the way the sex scene was written was so disappointing that it affected my view of the book.
Sam and Annie get a HEA…and I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. Not sure I will read another romance novel by this author though.
I liked the story. I liked the progression of their love story and then they had sex for the first time. And I wanted to scream. If you’re not comfortable writing spicy sex scenes, fade to black. Yeap the way the sex scene was written was so disappointing that it affected my view of the book.
Sam and Annie get a HEA…and I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. Not sure I will read another romance novel by this author though.
December 3, 2025
3.25⭐️
This was a mature and wholesome romance. I really enjoyed how the principles of Kwanzaa were sprinkled throughout. Personally, I found it a little boring and linear. It’s not a bad read especially if you want a non Christmas holiday book.
This was a mature and wholesome romance. I really enjoyed how the principles of Kwanzaa were sprinkled throughout. Personally, I found it a little boring and linear. It’s not a bad read especially if you want a non Christmas holiday book.
December 29, 2025
This really exceeded my expectations. I’m glad I got to read this during the season. I loved the cultural, educational and spiritual aspects. I wish there was a close out on the dating experiment but the outcome was successful!
December 29, 2025
This was such a fun treat to wrap up my holiday reading! A sweet story that pulls you in right away. West's writing flows beautifully and it was so fun to learn about the principles of Kwanzaa. Will definitely be a re-read!
December 25, 2025
Rating 3.75⭐️
This book was sooooo cute, I couldn’t stop smiling. The entire concept of the Onyx Fusion Matchmaking Firm is genius love with intention, culture and purpose 🥰🥰 I was locked in immediately.
Seven days. Seven dates. Seven Kwanzaa principles. Every single one meant something.
Anniston is the kind of woman you root for without trying a devoted mom, a hopeful romantic who hasn’t given up on love even after life made her cautious. Sam is guarded, a little bruised by the past but steady in a way that feels safe. Watching them come together through reflection, conversation and shared experiences felt organic, not rushed, not forced. It was so refreshing and beautiful.
What I loved most is that this wasn’t just about romance it was about healing, intention and choosing love with clarity. Each principle of Kwanzaa gently nudged them closer, not just to each other but to themselves. It was thoughtful without being heavy, emotional without being overwhelming.
This story gave me all the feels warm and fuzzy, kisses and cuddles, quiet moments that linger and that soft kind of love that feels earned. The kind that grows instead of explodes. If you’re looking for a holiday read that’s cozy, meaningful and full of heart this one is it.
This book was sooooo cute, I couldn’t stop smiling. The entire concept of the Onyx Fusion Matchmaking Firm is genius love with intention, culture and purpose 🥰🥰 I was locked in immediately.
Seven days. Seven dates. Seven Kwanzaa principles. Every single one meant something.
Anniston is the kind of woman you root for without trying a devoted mom, a hopeful romantic who hasn’t given up on love even after life made her cautious. Sam is guarded, a little bruised by the past but steady in a way that feels safe. Watching them come together through reflection, conversation and shared experiences felt organic, not rushed, not forced. It was so refreshing and beautiful.
What I loved most is that this wasn’t just about romance it was about healing, intention and choosing love with clarity. Each principle of Kwanzaa gently nudged them closer, not just to each other but to themselves. It was thoughtful without being heavy, emotional without being overwhelming.
This story gave me all the feels warm and fuzzy, kisses and cuddles, quiet moments that linger and that soft kind of love that feels earned. The kind that grows instead of explodes. If you’re looking for a holiday read that’s cozy, meaningful and full of heart this one is it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2024
Good Love
This was one of those books where I chose it simply because the cover is gorgeous. Thankfully, the story matched its energy. I immediately loved the concept of the couple being under the same roof for seven days and going on seven dates. The organizers made it a safe, controlled experience. The couple’s immediate attraction to each other was sweet. Their intimacy was passionate. I enjoyed that they both questioned if it was real and sustainable beyond the seven days. It was a whirlwind, but they both had a realistic approach. Each day they got closer. It was so nice to follow their courtship. I also liked that they both had real life experiences under their belts. They represented a mature relationship with people that addressed their baggage. The epilogue gave me just what I wanted for them. I loved it.
This was one of those books where I chose it simply because the cover is gorgeous. Thankfully, the story matched its energy. I immediately loved the concept of the couple being under the same roof for seven days and going on seven dates. The organizers made it a safe, controlled experience. The couple’s immediate attraction to each other was sweet. Their intimacy was passionate. I enjoyed that they both questioned if it was real and sustainable beyond the seven days. It was a whirlwind, but they both had a realistic approach. Each day they got closer. It was so nice to follow their courtship. I also liked that they both had real life experiences under their belts. They represented a mature relationship with people that addressed their baggage. The epilogue gave me just what I wanted for them. I loved it.
December 27, 2024
I ate this book up! (As the booktok girlies would say) But seriously, Seven Days Seven Dates is a soulful romance that speaks directly to the heart of a hopeless romantic like me. It’s not just a love story—it’s a celebration of Black love, family, and the power of community during Kwanzaa. I love, love, LOVE the incorporation of the 7 principles of Kwanzaa into dates. Definitely tucked that away into my mental roledex for future reference. I also loved the idea of a black business tour. Might put something like that together for myself! All in all, this book felt like a divine lesson in love and life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
A single mother, Annie, devotes all of her time between raising her son and building her career. Her love life is nonexistent so she decides to enroll in a matchmaking program based on the seven principles of Kwanza. The program promises to find someone compatible to her. The program requires the 2 people to spends the 7 days in the same house and partaking in the 7 suggested daily dates. The man, Sam, had a painful breakup but is willing to try the program and see what may happen. Over the 7 days, the participants agree to put their past to the side, discover new things about themselves and try to connect. What started out as an experiment in matchmaking, takes the couple down a path that ends in love.
October 12, 2025
I thought the concept of this book was great. Annie and Sam have a matchmaker experience in which, among other things, they engage in activities related to the daily principles of Kwanzaa. The activities were quite meaningful and readers might be interested in incorporating some of the activities as part of their own Kwanzaa celebrations. I personally do not celebrate Kwanzaa, but I find the principles very interesting, and I enjoyed how the author imparted them in this romance. The novella is a bit spicy, which I normally do not read, but the overall theme of this work was compelling enough that I kept reading. Overall, a very good read.
March 1, 2025
match making genius.
This was really you Mrs.Bailey, I absolutely love love your writing. This couple showed me that my husband and I could stand to have more creative dates. Not just travel and dinners. Well today we tackled the kitchen walls together and when we’re done a little yoga. I really love your match making idea and wished for my sisters that there was one I could recommend to them, but it has t be like the one you described. Of course with today’s economy it would be pretty costly. Thank you Bailey, see you in ATL in June👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This was really you Mrs.Bailey, I absolutely love love your writing. This couple showed me that my husband and I could stand to have more creative dates. Not just travel and dinners. Well today we tackled the kitchen walls together and when we’re done a little yoga. I really love your match making idea and wished for my sisters that there was one I could recommend to them, but it has t be like the one you described. Of course with today’s economy it would be pretty costly. Thank you Bailey, see you in ATL in June👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
May 25, 2025
Short And Sweet
This was my first novel by Mrs West and it will not be my last! This story, although short, had everything - strong leading characters, great supporting cast, well developed plot and ALL the feels.
I love the maturity of Samar and Anniston, although both had bad experiences and were looking for love, they were willing to learn from and communicate with each other. The author also shared some nuggets of wisdom throughout the story and wonderfully displays Kwanzaa.
This was my first novel by Mrs West and it will not be my last! This story, although short, had everything - strong leading characters, great supporting cast, well developed plot and ALL the feels.
I love the maturity of Samar and Anniston, although both had bad experiences and were looking for love, they were willing to learn from and communicate with each other. The author also shared some nuggets of wisdom throughout the story and wonderfully displays Kwanzaa.
December 28, 2025
Mood and Themed
I think this is the kind of story you have to be in the mood for. I don’t ever mind a low angst read but sometime they can be a little dry and that’s kinda how this one felt. It being a Kwanzaa holiday story I appreciate the way it was incorporated but it was kind of center stage to me. As a concept I would sign up for the match making service in a heartbeat but while the characters claimed to feel so much for each other instantly the writing didn’t make me feel it. So I liked it well enough it isn’t a bad book or story it just didn’t check any of my boxes.
I think this is the kind of story you have to be in the mood for. I don’t ever mind a low angst read but sometime they can be a little dry and that’s kinda how this one felt. It being a Kwanzaa holiday story I appreciate the way it was incorporated but it was kind of center stage to me. As a concept I would sign up for the match making service in a heartbeat but while the characters claimed to feel so much for each other instantly the writing didn’t make me feel it. So I liked it well enough it isn’t a bad book or story it just didn’t check any of my boxes.
December 21, 2024
I Spiritual Awakening
I wasn't even 50% into the book before I started texting my friends to go and download it. The education piece was what drew me in.
The activities associated with the day of Kwanzaa were so well written and thought out. Bailey gave us love, connection, friendship, and words of inspiration to take into the new year.
Read this, everyone, and get ready to find love and faith in 2025.
I wasn't even 50% into the book before I started texting my friends to go and download it. The education piece was what drew me in.
The activities associated with the day of Kwanzaa were so well written and thought out. Bailey gave us love, connection, friendship, and words of inspiration to take into the new year.
Read this, everyone, and get ready to find love and faith in 2025.
December 23, 2024
Beautiful holiday love story
I am so grateful for authors who craft intimacy in their stories that touch the heart and soul. As for this author she also taps into the spiritual realm. The idea of using Kwanza as the backdrop to this matchmaking story provide a depth that resonates in our community. I truly enjoyed this beautiful holiday story. It was worth the journey, worth the read.
I am so grateful for authors who craft intimacy in their stories that touch the heart and soul. As for this author she also taps into the spiritual realm. The idea of using Kwanza as the backdrop to this matchmaking story provide a depth that resonates in our community. I truly enjoyed this beautiful holiday story. It was worth the journey, worth the read.
January 2, 2025
3.75
I thought this romance was well written and I loved that I finally read a book centered around Kwanzaa for once. Anni & Sam were a cute couple with chemistry and I really loved all the cute dates that went too. It’s nice reading black couples falling for one another especially when they are 35+ & really know who they are. I enjoyed this book and plan to check out more from this author in the future.
I thought this romance was well written and I loved that I finally read a book centered around Kwanzaa for once. Anni & Sam were a cute couple with chemistry and I really loved all the cute dates that went too. It’s nice reading black couples falling for one another especially when they are 35+ & really know who they are. I enjoyed this book and plan to check out more from this author in the future.
January 25, 2025
Wonderful
Ms Bailey did her thing with this story
Not only did she enlighten us about Kwanza but she wove it into a beautiful live story between two strangers Samar and Annie.
They both were seeking a relationship that had meaning and found it through the unusual setting of daily Kwanza activities.
Get your copy today and be blessed.
Great job Bailey. Continue to let your light shine through your words.
Ms Bailey did her thing with this story
Not only did she enlighten us about Kwanza but she wove it into a beautiful live story between two strangers Samar and Annie.
They both were seeking a relationship that had meaning and found it through the unusual setting of daily Kwanza activities.
Get your copy today and be blessed.
Great job Bailey. Continue to let your light shine through your words.
December 15, 2025
This was such a fun read from start to finish. The premise was unique, the characters were endearing, and the chemistry was perfection. It's not always easy to get a rich and fulfilling romance in a novella but I fully believed in Annie and Sam's connection and felt completely satisfied with how it all played out. I think this is the first romance book I've read that featured Kwanzaa so that was nice as well. I'm so glad I picked this one up!
December 24, 2024
cute holiday novella
I loved this concept and I loved the insta love of it all. The characters were well thought out and the side characters were just as fun. I loved how they both came in open and had similar experiences but were able to truly talk it out. A different storyline but it worked perfect.
I loved this concept and I loved the insta love of it all. The characters were well thought out and the side characters were just as fun. I loved how they both came in open and had similar experiences but were able to truly talk it out. A different storyline but it worked perfect.
January 3, 2025
Kwanzaa Forever Love
I loved the concept of Seven Days and Seven Dates for couples especially Samar & Anniston story it help them open up to each other and discover hidden things about themselves. I was glad to see that Samar and Anniston allowed this experience to push them out of their comfort zone and embrace this new and unique experience.
I loved the concept of Seven Days and Seven Dates for couples especially Samar & Anniston story it help them open up to each other and discover hidden things about themselves. I was glad to see that Samar and Anniston allowed this experience to push them out of their comfort zone and embrace this new and unique experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews