The Full Picture

by Jessica Carmichael, Ana Hoffman (Narrator)

Reuniting with her family and partying in Accra until sunrise? Part of the plan. Catching feelings for two very different boys? Definitely not!

When first-year university student Robyn Carter travels to Ghana for winter break, it's the first time she's been back since her mother's passing ten years prior. Not only is the trip the perfect escape from her father's academic expectations, but it's also an opportunity to finally learn more about her mother-the one subject he refuses to discuss.

The last person Robyn expects to meet is Osei Mensah, her grandmother's beloved neighbour and a budding photographer. The young creative is a big dreamer who wears his heart on his sleeve and is everything pragmatic Robyn shouldn't want.

Especially not when Osei's childhood friend, Kelvin Williams, is a charming pre-med student also visiting from her hometown-her exact type on paper. 

As Robyn uncovers the truth about her late mother's past, logic and emotion begin to clash and she can't help but wonder if following her heart instead of her father's carefully laid-out plan, might be a shot worth taking after all.

Perfect for fans of Bolu Babalola and Jenny Han, this heartfelt debut is a modern coming-of-age story about restoring family, taking risks, and living life on your own terms.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Audiobook, Contemporary

Audiobook

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

JESSICA CARMICHAEL is a proud Bajan-Ghanaian born and raised in 'the city above Toronto'. She is passionate about writing and reading stories that depict the wonderful yet complex tales of Black youth. Jessica is a published sports journalist and The Full Picture is her debut novel.

Reviews

[BookmarkedByAlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut where?
If you enjoy the feels that books by Bolu Babalola or Danielle Allen give you, this will be another one to add to your shelves.
The Full Picture is story about acceptance, chasing your dreams, and following your heart.
This story had so many layers to it and I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this so much.
Thank you to the author for reaching out and sending this e-arc my way🤗
I can’t wait to see what else she creates in the future.
Thank you to the author for reaching out to me on TikTok and gifting me with this gem of an e-arc via NetGalley. 🫶🏾🫶🏾

[cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

and THAT'S how you debut!

this was such a wonderful, heartfelt read. i love my mom more than anything in the world and can't fathom ever losing her, so reading about someone who has lost her mom tugged at my heartstrings. but it's a beautiful portrayal of grief and having the courage to move forward with your life.

although there's romance involved, robyn is the true main character, and she was an absolute joy to follow. her inner dialogue is compelling and witty, and you WANT to root for this girl. you want to see her heal and experience everything life has to offer.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review

[Reni Odetoyinbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been in a bit of a reading slump but when I had the chance to get early access to read The Full Picture, I jumped at the chance and I’m so glad I did. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours.

This is a book for the West African Diasporan lover girls. It was relatable yet not predictable. I love how deeply we got to know all of the characters in depth especially Robyn. I saw myself in her. I love love loved it!

Also, for the audiobook version, the narrator did a great job. Super captivating and engaging.

Also I need a sequel. Stat!

[Favour’s flavor · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This book surprised me! This is my type of YA book, I can’t believe it’s a debut. I’ll be picking a physical copy once it’s officially released Dec 1st. It has elements of romance, coming of age, grief, detty December. I definitely had a good time reading this book, I recommend.

It took longer as I am still getting used to ebooks on my phone.

[Tola Falonipe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just didn’t work for me. It’s supposed to be a heartfelt YA coming-of-age story about Robyn, a first-year student who returns to Ghana over winter break to learn more about her late mother, but honestly, the writing was just so tedious. The prose felt heavy and overexplained, like the author didn’t trust us to pick up on subtext. At one point, Robyn says, “I try to keep my eyes from dampening as sincerity drips from his voice,” after Osei spoke to her and I just thought, why are you telling us that? If his speech really carried sincerity, we’d get that from how it’s written. You don’t have to spell it out. It’s this kind of handholding that made the whole thing feel flat. The story has potential, but it’s buried under writing that’s too eager to make sure we “get it.”

The internal monologue and conversations feel jejune, which I wanted to excuse because it is a YA after all, but I don’t think that’s enough justification. It’s like the author was afraid of ambiguity, so every emotion and realization is spoon-fed. The result is writing that’s neither lyrical nor literary, just uninspiring.

I really really wanted to like this, but it felt like a missed opportunity. The premise, the characters, the setting, all good elements but poor execution.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Melanie Dakwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I’m so grateful to Hibiscus Press for the ARC for my honest review

The Full Picture follows Robyn Carter as she returns to Accra, Ghana, for winter break. This is her first visit since her mother’s passing ten years ago and as she reconnects with family and uncovers long-buried histories, Robyn is also pushed to confront her identity and unexpectedly finds herself in the middle of a love triangle.

As a first-generation Ghanaian American, seeing a YA romance set against the backdrop of Detty December felt like a gift I didn’t know I needed.

I adored Robyn and Osei’s banter (though I’ll admit I also loved Robyn and Kelvin together at times). Still, I was Team Osei all the way. Their argument shattered me, but the way everything came full circle left me so warm and satisfied.

Jessica, you really did your big one with this debut. What a beautiful and heartfelt story. I’m already eager to see more of Robyn and Osei’s journey in London, and I can’t wait to watch Robyn mature, step into her confidence, and grow as a photographer 🫶🏾❤️. I’ll just echo everyone else when I say we need a sequel!

[Keren Kayembe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now THAT’S how you do a debut novel!!!!

[Lochi's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always funny and slightly jarring whenever I read Toronto slang in books. But it's so much fun to see Canadian based authors rising and filling in gaps that have existed far too long in the Canadian romance space. Jessica's book reminded me of Rebecca Fisseha's novel Only Because It's You, largely of the feeling of returning home.

This book dabbles in a love triangle, revealing familial secrets, and also contextualizing what it's like growing up as a first generation kid in Canada. I came across Hibiscus Press earlier in the year, and I'm very happy that a digital copy was sent my way.

I also highly recommend checking out Jessica's Substack it's been really interesting to follow her debut journey.

Congratulations Jessica, and thank you so much Hibiscus Press.

[Lynda Okeke-Okoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for Audiobook ARC.

I’ve been excited about this book since it was announced as I knew I’d be able to see a little bit of myself in the FMC, Robyn Carter.

The Full Picture is a story that takes readers through Robyn Carter’s journey of reconnecting with her roots, falling in love and learning to navigate between her father’s expectations and what she truly desires. It’s about rediscovering family (past and present) and finding the courage to find her own version of happiness/fulfillment.

I’ll start with the aspects of the audiobook that I enjoyed:

- I really loved that the setting of the plot was primarily in Ghana during “Detty December”. It was fun to be able to live that experience through Robyn and through the narrator

- I found the pacing to be just right, it was not too slow and also not too fast paced, medium pacing. There was minimal dragging during conflicts or difficult parts which I appreciated a lot

- I liked the development of the Kelvin and Robyn’s romance cute.

- The love triangle between Osei, Robyn and Kelvin was quite interesting.

- I really loved that the theme of family, connection and grief was explored in beautiful and sensitive way. Robyn’s dad and grandma sharing their story with her late mother put a lot of things into perspective.

If there’s anything I could change, it would be how long it took Robyn to tell her dad about her performance in the pharmacy courses. I would have also liked to know a bit more about Osei and his family’s dynamic. There are a few things Robyn did or said that I felt slightly annoyed at but it still made me invested in the story regardless.

Overall I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and definitely recommend this! The narrator did a pretty good at bringing the story to life and I particularly liked it when she narrated the conversations between Osei and Robyn.

[BookishBooksWithHer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

This story felt magical—it made me giggle and kick my feet over the smallest moments, had me swooning over the characters, and even made me reflect on my own dreams and hopes. Honestly, I went in with modest expectations, but this book completely exceeded them. I can’t believe more people aren’t already talking about its upcoming release!

The characters are absolutely wonderful. Robyn is such a relatable and compelling main character—everything about her feels genuine and easy to connect with. Osei, on the other hand, is the perfect gentleman: the kind of partner every girl dreams of, and written in a way that makes it impossible not to swoon. Every character feels thoughtfully developed, and I found myself wanting to know more about each of them as the story unfolded.

The plot itself, especially the family dynamics and hidden secrets, is gripping and layered in a way that keeps you turning pages. The web of connections and intertwining storylines truly make this book stand out.

I wholeheartedly wish the best for this book, and I hope others find it just as enchanting and unforgettable as I did!

[annasreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, warm and romantic read. I cannot recommend enough.

The main character Robyn, was so relatable. She’s just trying to figure things out and throwing in one of the best love triangles I’ve ever had the joy of reading was just the icing on the cake.

I really enjoyed the commentary on grief as well. It’s a thing that lingers and that really came through in this story.

10/10 honestly. Do yourself a favour!!!!

[Baje Bookclub - Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“But really life isn’t a picture. You don’t always get to choose the outcome”

“Raising a child alone is even harder. Every day, you make decisions that can alter your child’s life and who they are. You try your best to choose the right option but don’t always get it right”

The Full Picture
by Jessica Carmichael
Genre: YA Romance
Book No. 110
Release day: December 1, 2025

The Full Picture is the debut novel of Barbadian-Ghanaian Jessica Carmichael. The description of this YA Romance novel intrigued me; YA is not a genre I normally read. When I do read YA, I often remind myself that when I am reading YA, I have to give the MC(s) some grace because they are young and will make mistakes. Well Robyn made a few but that’s part of life right?

The Full Picture begins with Robyn visiting her mom’s family in Ghana as Robyn wants to learn more about her mother who passed away when she was younger. She left her Barbadian dad in Toronto during Christmas break to experience Ghana and that she did. The story is descriptive and toggles well between Robyn’s visit, her relationship with her dad, her feelings for two cute Ghanaian guys - yup I said two and her university life.

By the way, I am team Osei.

The author did a great job of highlighting Robyn’s relationships with her family and friends while diving into unresolved issues centered around her mother as well as her father. This part of the story pulled me in because it explored how parents have the best intentions but can make mistakes as well.

This coming of age novel was descriptive, funny and addressed everyday issues such as family loss, single parenting, true love, forgiveness, courage and openness while educating me about Ghanaian life.

Whether you love YA or you’re looking for your first YA romance, go check this one out.

Thank you Jessica and thank you Hibiscus Press for the Digital ARC that I received (Netgalley).

[Donna C.K · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

I truly loved this debut novel by Barbadian-Ghanian author Jessica Carmichael (even her name sounds so Bajan) which releases on December 1st.

As a Barbadian, I am absolutely tickled by the Bajan representation in this sunny YA, coming of age story which also gives readers a snapshot of Ghanaian culture. The mention of the University of the West Indies, the dialect, and the reason for the main female character's name are a major fillip, which readers from Barbados, the diaspora and the Caribbean will appreciate.

The Full Picture is insightful in its telling of the impact of migration from Barbados and Ghana to Canada and what it means for first generation children who often have to bear the weight of their parents' expectations.
To me, it's also a novel about self-discovery, restoring family, choices and taking risks, young love, speaking up for yourself and fighting for what you truly want.

After more than a decade, first year university student Robyn Carter heads to her late mother's homeland in Accra, Ghana to reunite with her family and celebrate Grandma Lily's milestone birthday. The winter-break trip is more than a celebration and reunion though, as Robyn's on a quest to discover this side of her heritage, the one her father doesn't talk about.
She's aware of some aspects of tradition and culture thanks to her bff Chelsea whose family is Ghanaian but there's a part of her left unfulfilled by not knowing.

Away from the academic expectations of her dad, she immerses herself in the festivities and she enjoys being there, and getting to know everyone especially her older cousin Ama.

What Robyn didn't bank on was being attracted to two guys, one of whom is Osei Mensah, the next door neighbour who is not only her grandmother's friend but a budding photographer who seems so self assured about his future and what he wants. He sees and understands her in ways no one else does.
She also meets Kelvin, Osei's childhood friend who attends the same university that she does in Canada. She is as interested in him as he is in her. Even the holiday romance elements had depth and served to help her discover who she was and what she wanted.

Carmichael created such vibrant characters, such relatable people who are full of colour. The happy, joyful, angsty, funny, insightful, and sad moments are so vivid you are moved to feel the emotions the characters are experiencing.

If I could change one thing about Robyn's character, it would be her inability to listen, truly listen to what other people are saying. She was quick to anger, tuned out the other person, and was tunnel visioned one time too many and I wanted to slap her. I guess this made her human, flawed, a young person who hasn't figured it all out yet. At this age did we know everything we thought we knew?

The Full Picture is a very relatable story about love, loss, grief, understanding and accepting loved ones flaws and all, the restorative power of family and bridging the gap between expectations and ambitions. It will stay with me for a while.

Thanks to the author and Hibiscus Press which granted me a digital ARC via NetGalley. The opinions are all mine.

[Mosope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The author does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in the December experience while navigating the tension between friendship, love, and family relationships.
I adored Osei and loved watching the FMC’s character development unfold. The portrayal of family hurt felt honest while honoring the varied experiences of each family member. The ending was very sweet, and I would definitely recommend this book.

[Iman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Full Picture. From the very first chapter, the audiobook drew me in — the narrator was phenomenal. Her voice was so engaging, and the way she switched between accents felt incredibly natural and added so much depth to the characters. I usually listen to audiobooks at 2x speed, but for this one, I slowed down just to really enjoy every moment.

What makes this story stand out is that it’s not just a love story. Jessica Carmichael dives deep into how our personal histories, grief, family expectations, and sense of identity shape how we relate to others — and ourselves. It’s a reminder that relationships aren’t just about attraction or compatibility on paper, but about growth, honesty, and timing.

I especially appreciated how the book showed the challenges of reconnecting with family, especially when distance and unspoken histories are involved. It captured so well the emotional complexity of being a first-gen Canadian — feeling like you don’t fully belong in either place, whether it’s home in Canada or back in Ghana. That identity struggle was so real and deeply relatable.

Another thing I loved: the exploration of how not all fun or exciting relationships are the right ones for us. The book makes space for those difficult realizations and shows that even painful or messy relationships can lead to clarity and growth.

I honestly can’t believe this is her first book — the writing is so thoughtful and emotionally rich. I’m already excited to see what Jessica Carmichael writes next.

Every part of this story felt intentional and heartfelt. It’s a beautifully layered coming-of-age story that I’d absolutely recommend to anyone, especially those who’ve ever felt caught between two worlds or unsure of which version of themselves they’re supposed to be.

[Kulthum Asha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the lovely opportunity to receive an ARC of this warm, fuzzy, beautifully written book and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

Our FMC, Robyn, was an absolute delight to read about. She reminded me so much of other young, messy, brilliant protagonists like Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty and Devi from Never Have I Ever. She brought just the right amount of sass and chaos (falling for two guys during Detty December?!) I was seated for her banter with Osei, swooning during her kiss with Kelvin, and crying so hard when she finally broke down to her dad.

This book was an ode to homecoming, first loves, and coming of age. It was beautifully written and sets the tone for more young Black stories, especially ones featuring African FMCs who rarely see themselves reflected authentically in books.

Now that I’m finally done, here are the real-time thoughts I had while reading. Excuse my theatrics 😂
• Osei and Rob’s fight broke me. She didn’t have to say ALL THAT 😭😭
• I was RIGHT. Osei is what she needs!!
• My poor Rob is such a mess. Her dad needs to just give her the FULL picture.
• This is so well-written MY GOD
• Sobbing 😭😭😭
• LOVE Chelsea and Rob’s friendship 🥹
• She’s in love with OSEI MENSAH. I’m so happyyyyy 🎊🎊🥳
• Kelvin is such a good person. Right person, wrong time, for real. I’ll take him off Rob’s hands! 🤭
• My baby Osei 😭😭. His heart is still broken. I love how vulnerable the guys are in this story. It’s so refreshing to see.
• The way Osei forgives so quickly is too relatable 😂😂😂
• This is the CUTEST airport scene in romance HISTORY. I’m in loveeeee
• Such a beautiful ending. Such a gorgeously written story.
• I’m going to miss them 😭😭😭
• We NEED a Rob and Osei in London novella. Pleaseeeee!

This book was EVERYTHING and MOREEEE. If you haven’t preordered — what are you doing?!!!!

[Natalia Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC of this book.

I was immediately interested in reading this book from the announcement. The story is captivating, light hearted and transports you back to your teenage years.

The author truly makes you feel like you’re in Detty December and navigating the world for the very first time.

Definitely a Must Read!!

[Esosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute! Even though I wanted to fight our main character on multiple occasions—not for anything serious, she’s just stubborn as hell 😂

The Full Picture is a wholesome YA novel that follows Robyn as she travels to Ghana for the holidays—her mother’s homeland. It’s her first time back since childhood, and since losing her mom. Robyn hopes the trip will help her connect with her mom’s side of the family and uncover more about the woman she barely got to know. The one link she already shares with her mom is art, but it’s a touchy subject, because it’s something her father back in Toronto doesn’t fully accept.

Searching for answers doesn’t guarantee you’ll like what you find. What Robyn learns about her mother is complicated, it sheds light on the strained relationship between her father and her mom’s family, helps her understand her father’s fears, and allows her to see him as more human. But it also creates new questions and conflicts for Robyn.

Amid all this, Robyn is also falling in love (even though she fights it the entire story). Between the thrilling vibes of Detty December, seeing Ghana through fresh, excited eyes, and her connection with Osei, Robyn is experiencing a lot within a short span of time. With Osei, she feels something deeper than she’s ever known. It’s impossible for her to ignore how much they share—here is someone who seems to understand the meaning in her art and sees who she really is beneath the surface.

Now… I want to say it’s refreshing to read a YA novel without a miscommunication trope, but at what cost? Because instead we get a character who bottles up her true feelings and deliberately says the opposite just to avoid facing the truth. Robyn Carter, you stressed me out.

Overall this was cute and fun. The slow unraveling of Robyn’s family dynamics and grief, paired with her self-discovery, really did paint the full picture (pun intended 🤭). I just wasn’t fully sold on the romance—the chemistry was there, but honestly, if she and Osei had just ended up best friends, I wouldn’t have been mad either.

This was a lovely story about grief, acceptance, chasing your dreams, and staying true to yourself.

Thank you to Hibiscus Press for the advanced copy, The Full Picture is out on December 1st.

[Benedicta Dzandu · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

In this coming-of-age story of belonging, identity and love, Carmichael captures beautifully the longing for a story half-told and the need to reclaim history as a form of healing.

The story follows Robyn Carter, a first-year university student who returns to Ghana a decade after her mother’s death, hoping to piece together the fragments of a past her father has carefully erased. What begins as an escape from expectations spirals into a transformative journey, one that forces Robyn to confront her grief, her desires, and the life she’s been too afraid to claim.

One of the things I have come to appreciate is how differently people express their grief. In The Full Picture we see how Carmichael presents Robyn’s grief as a language to learn—one that reshapes her identity. It was also interesting to read how the emotional weight of her mother’s absence hangs quietly in the background, not in heavy-handed grief, but in the subtle ways: in her grandmother's stories and memories of her mother, and in her father’s silence.

I love the romantic tension between Robyn, Osei, the free-spirited photographer, and Kelvin, the charming pre-med student. These love interests mirror Robyn’s internal conflict: should she follow the safe path her father designed, or dare to want something different? The real romance is Robyn falling back in love with herself.

Carmichael’s portrayal of Ghana, specifically Accra, is very realistic, especially with the family gatherings. The communal gossip and laughter—I found myself laughing during those moments.As readers, we learn alongside Robyn that love and grief, obligation and freedom, and expectation and desire all sit beside one another, that identity is built through living, not simply through logic.

For me, reading The Full Picture felt like watching a puzzle slowly come together. It was learning how every piece of our lives—community, friendship, family, love—fits together to make us whole.


If you are looking for a warm read definitely recommend!


Thank you hibiscus press for the ARC.

[Pine Reads Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I don’t say this to tell you to follow in her footsteps, but so that you can understand that life doesn’t have to be black and white. You don’t have to live one way or the other. There are a lot of good things that come out of being well-balanced.”

Robyn Carter has always planned to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a pharmacist, but the University of Toronto is much more of a challenge than high school. When a photography class she thought was just an elective sparks something more, she begins to wonder if being a pharmacist is truly the path she wants to follow. She travels to Ghana in December to reconnect with her mother’s side of the family, but to also uncover the truth about her mother’s passing and the secrets her father has been keeping. While there, she meets the charismatic and not-bound-by-rules Osei Mensah, who is both irritating and captivating, and Kelvin Williams, polished and perfect with all the qualities Robyn thinks she should want. Navigating through family secrets and her own ambitions, The Full Picture is a story of overcoming past boundaries and realizing that the life you plan may not be the life you are meant to live.

This book had my attention from the get-go! Robyn is one of the most relatable characters I’ve read about recently, especially when it comes to questioning if the path you’re on is the right one. Carmichael does an amazing job capturing all of Robyn’s emotions while still showing her growth and confidence towards the end of the book. What made this story memorable in my eyes was the depth of its subplots. I loved reading about Robyn’s family’s backstories, and that despite their various backgrounds, they could still come together in December and make Robyn feel as if no time had passed at all, even after years of distance. Learning about her mother’s past and realizing that all her father ever wanted was what was best for her was the perfect familial resolution. And then there was Osei and Kelvin. Two very different romance options, but they both wanted what was best for Robyn. There were too many moments to count where I was squealing, having to take a breather and prepare for what was next, and going back and forth wondering who she would choose, but I loved that Robyn always put herself first the whole time. It really is the kind of story that has you cheering for Robyn’s success while also reflecting on your own journey. The Full Picture is an amazing debut, and I’m already counting down the days to see what Carmichael does next!

The Full Picture releases on December 1st, 2025.

Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and hibiscus press for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!

[Janet Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this bad! The way this book got me out of the worse reading slump! The way I ate this up!!! Ms.Carmichael you did your big one with this! I was engaged through and through! A detty december romance and drama whewww sign me up! Reading Robyn find herself and come into her own was beautiful! I was team Osei through and through because come on it was too obvious but ngl you had me in the last half thinking my boy Kelvin got it! I said huhhh but Robyn came to her senses TG! This one is for the West African babes!! A detty december book was needed and Ms.Carmichael delivered! For a debut, this was everything! I hope we get a sequel!! Highly recommend and will absolutely be getting a physical copy! cant wait to see what else Ms.Carmichael has for us in the future! Thank you Hibiscus Press and Netgalley for the digital arc!

[Tomiwa Sobande · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Full Picture is a beautfiul coming of age story that follows Robyn a university freshman with secret photography dream. Thiugh I don’t have a dead mother, I related so much to going back to one’s home country to connect with family and essentially one’s roots. This story is a beautiful exploration of self with a side of romance. Once she touches down in Ghana, Robyn finds herself with two viable romantic prospects with one being a clear endgame over the other from the start. Or maybe thats just my bias towards great banter. All in all, I loved the writing style and I loved how messy Robyn’s journey was. It was incredible to see a character grow so much in 34 chapters.

[Tye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmichael’s debut caught me off guard in the best way. I expected a fun holiday romance set against Detty December in Ghana, but what I found was a layered, heartfelt exploration of grief and identity.

We follow Robyn Carter, a Canadian-born third culture kid navigating her first year of college. Raised by her widowed Bajan father after the loss of her Ghanaian mother, Robyn heads to Ghana hoping to find answers her father won’t give her. What she discovers is less about romance and more about learning how people carry loss differently and how silence around grief can fracture relationships.

The prose is accessible and the cultural details are immersive. As an American reader, it was refreshing to read a Canadian voice in Ghanaian settings, though I had to check my own biases (yes, 18/19-year-olds partying and drinking in YA threw me for a loop at first).

I do wish we got a deeper dive into Osei’s perspective. His story feels rich enough for a companion novel. But as a standalone, The Full Picture is beautifully wrapped and emotionally resonant.

Highly recommend for fans of coming-of-age stories, TCK narratives, and novels that balance joy with grief.

Read my full review here

[Ayushi (bookwormbullet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Hibiscus Press for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review!

The Full Picture is a YA romance following a university student who travels to Ghana for winter break to reunite with her late mother’s family. There, she meets her grandmother’s handsome photographer neighbor and his childhood friend, a charming pre-med student. It’s a beautiful coming-of-age story about navigating grief, finding your first love, and living life on your own terms. I loved the backdrop of the city Accra throughout the story. There are a lot of mentions of what the lifestyle, traditions, and food is like in Ghana. There were a lot of interesting discussions about being a part of the Ghanaian diaspora versus growing up in the country. And the narration was really solid too, no notes there!

Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun Christmas read !! Really bought the joy to the occasion of Christmas. It felt so familiar because of my African experience at Christmas time but also made me miss home. Such a positive nostalgic feeling. Take me back !! I defo recommend for a Christmas read but something that’s isn’t corny.

[Diane G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this YA debut novel! I especially loved the depth and sensitivity with which the author navigated grief (how it’s felt by different people, how complex it is when you’re grieving someone who’s not who you thought they were or whose layers you just didn’t experience like others did); experiencing love for the first time (I was rooting for Osei so hard!); and choosing a different path than the one expected of you. I loved how it came together in the end and would for sure read a sequel about Osei and Robyn in London.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Watching Robyn discover more about her family and Ghanian heritage was so fulfilling. The more she learned about her cultural history, I saw how she became herself. The romance also added to her self discovery based on what each boy represented. The Full Picture was light hearted, emotional and fun. Thank you Netgalley and Hibiscus Press for this ARC!

[Lady Tamakloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was different and I enjoyed every bit of it.

[gigireadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in blind and was not disappointed. Huge thanks to NetGalley for early access. The love triangle is executed perfectly; both Osei and Kelvin are total boyfriend material, and I genuinely rooted for them. The plot is cozy and heartwarming, perfect for holiday reading. Ghana feels alive and full of culture, almost like a character itself. The extended West African family drama felt nostalgic, real, and familiar, while the grief and father-daughter relationship hit so hard; the pressure of expectations versus following your own path was too real.

The writing kept me hooked from start to finish. There are a few pop culture references, which some readers might find a bit cringe; but if you ask me, I didn't mind seeing Mr Eazi mehnnn. The ending specifically was highlight for me. It felt like a gentle reminder that men can need space to heal too, not just women. They too can know their worth and choose themselves first lol. I'd also be very interested in a book two featuring some of the side characters, they have major potential if you ask me ngl. Clean, swoony, emotional, and completely enjoyable, this debut delivers on romance, family, culture, grief, and growth. If you love YA, clean romance with no smut in sight, or cozy heartfelt reads, add it to your TBR!!

[Sinmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an early audiobook read and loved every moment of it.

Jessica Carmichael’s The Full Picture is a powerful, multilayered exploration of identity, erasure, and visibility. A half Ghanaian and Bajan girl heading to Ghana for the infamous ‘Detty December’ but also on a path to find out about her deceased mum who her dad never talks about.

The work is deeply personal to Jess yet universally resonant, inviting audiences to reflect on how stories, especially those of diasporic women are shaped, shared, and molded differently. The answers are characters are not neat which I appreciated as it left room for full complexity - unpolished, unfinished, flawed, and totally YA human.

Do yourself a favour and read Robyn’s journey!