Inharmonious

by Tammye Huf

A compelling love story—inspired by the author’s own family history—set in the segregated South during and after World War II, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Women and Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half .

When three young Black men enlist in the US Army hoping to serve their country with honor, their lives are forever changed.

When Pearl Harbor is attacked in 1941, Cora’s brother Benny rushes to enlist against the wishes of Cora and her mother. Able to pass as white due to his pale skin and light eyes, Benny reports for duty only to realize he’s been mistakenly enlisted as a white man in a racially segregated military.

Lee has been friends with Benny ever since he was a troubled teenager, and he’s been sweet on Cora for nearly as long. When Lee enlists without telling Cora, she is heartbroken and feels betrayed by the man she expected to spend the rest of her life with.

Meanwhile, family friend Roscoe, encouraged by Benny, offers to marry Cora in order to ensure that she and her Momma—who both remain home—will be provided for should Benny not make it back.

Benny does return, but his new white identity leaves him struggling to find his place in between, in a country that only sees black or white. As America promises post-war prosperity through the GI Bill to white veterans, black soldiers are excluded.

While the war may be over, the fight has only just begun for Cora, Lee, Benny, and Roscoe.

Genres: Historical Fiction

360 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 3, 2026

About the author

Originally from the east and west coast of the USA, I have lived in the UK with my husband and three kids for the last twenty years. I love nothing more than to immerse myself into new places and experiences, and I love the way that books allow me to do that, travelling the globe or even back in time with the turn of a page.

Since earning my BA from Wellesley College, I have been a teacher of various ages and abilities as well as a copywriter and a translator. I've had the pleasure of seeing my short stories published in several literary magazines and being named the third-place winner of the London Magazine Short Story Prize 2018.

Reviews

[Stephanie Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thankful to be able to read an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Blackstone publishing. I really liked this book! I definitely agree with the description, that it is a good fit for those that liked the complexity of relationships in Kristin Hannah's book, The Women. The web of family and friendship had me so sad and sometimes hopeful! I really enjoyed meeting Cora, her brother Benny, Lee, and Roscoe. The tangled web of their loves and friendships were a roller coaster! I felt that this story was also a really interesting and new (but historically old!) perspective on "Passing", and the implications that may have carried post WWII. I would definitely recommend!

[Katiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not into historical fiction but Inharmonious definitely kept my attention. When I wasn’t reading I thought about the characters. This book several characters: Roscoe, Cora, Benny, Lee and Jasper; each on a journey of finding their way in life! Reading this book not only gave me experience of what times were like and the challenges during segregation but also the bravery of those who fought for rights. It may be curious about those who are white passing if it crossed their minds to take on another identity to live a different life. There was love in this book that no matter how much time passes, when it’s real , it can bring you back together! There were choices made a little too late or a little too soon that made you feel annoyed but you had to see it through. I think a few times I asked the characters “Why?”or asked “Are you for real?”. I was a little sad it ended because I could’ve read 100 more pages. Lol! I love how Mrs. Huf navigated back and forth chapter to chapter, with different characters, and being able to go back and pick up where she left off with their story. I also love how Mrs. Huf researched and used actual facts to create this story; also that it was told using some of her family history! Thank you Net Galley and Blackstone publishing for sending me this ARC to review! I look forward to reading more from Tammye Huf! If you love historical fiction or new to historical fiction, definitely add this on your TBR! #NetGalley #Inharmonious

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inharmonious by Tammye Huf is such a powerful read. Following Benny, Cora, Roscoe, and Lee through WWII in segregated Florida was both heartbreaking and hopeful. The characters felt so real, and I loved seeing how they grew throughout the story.
Five stars from me. Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[George King · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's done it again!

Tammye's ability to create vibrant characters leading lives that we can relate to today, yet set in rigorously researched and lovingly brought to life historical settings is clearly her strength and gift.
A fitting follow up to her debut novel A More Perfect Union and a read worth sharing with everyone.

More please, Tammye!

[Mary Fabrizio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling tale about living in segregated Southern America during WWII. The characters were well drawn and I enjoyed spending time with them. The war tales weren't as interesting to me as those of the ones left behind.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Marianne Buschmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait to read Tammye’s latest book- 🫶🏽Her books are a real inspiration!!

[Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Absolutely loved it!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story! Couldn’t put it down

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing novel, Sometimes I feel like we’re moving backwards in race relations. The WW2 part is absolutely riveting!!

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read and beautifully written!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Inharmonious’ is completely captivating from start to finish. Such a brilliantly vibrant story, I couldn’t put it down!