A Harlem Wedding: A Novel – A Biographical Romance of Yolande Du Bois, Forbidden Love, and 1920s High Society

by Tiffany L. Warren

From The Unexpected Diva author Tiffany Warren—a dishy and dramatic novel of the Harlem Renaissance and its most famous Black debutante, Yolande Du Bois, daughter of W.E.B. Du Bois, whose spectacular wedding to poet Countee Cullen was the society event of the year...even though the bride and groom were not-so-secretly in love with other people.

A century ago, Harlem’s glittering social scene had a single Yolande Du Bois, the only child of N.A.A.C.P. icon W.E.B. Du Bois. Yolande was bold, vivacious, and beloved of every gossip columnist. A true daddy’s girl, Yolande followed her father’s advice on from where she went to college (Fisk—Papa’s alma mater) to which sorority she joined (Delta Sigma Theta). But in matters of the heart, Yolande and her father did not agree. Dr. Du Bois himself curated a string of handsome suitors from the “Talented Tenth” for her, but Yolande’s true love was jazz musician Jimmie Lunceford, son of a working-class family from far-off Denver, Colorado. Their romance was an open secret, and more than a little scandalous.

Despite it all, Yolande wound up marrying her father’s famed poet Countee Cullen. Their lavish uptown wedding was the hottest social ticket of 1928. With three thousand attendees, sixteen bridesmaids, and Langston Hughes as a groomsman, it was truly a sight to behold.

But, immediately after the wedding, Yolande’s carefully constructed fairy tale begins to crumble. Torn between the expectations of her father and society and her heart’s true desire, Yolande is forced to decide whether she must leave Harlem to create a more authentic life on her own terms.

A Harlem Wedding is a heady read about love, notoriety, Black excellence, deception, and the très chic lifestyles of the Black elite, from speakeasies of Harlem and the green fields of Fisk University, all the way to Le Grand Duc in Paris.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Fiction, African American, Historical Romance, Adult Fiction

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

Tiffany L. Warren began her writing career in 2003 when she signed with Walk Worthy Press to publish her debut, What a Sista Should Do. She has gone on to publish over thirty full-length novels (eleven under pen name Nikki Carter) with Hachette Book Group and Kensington Books (Dafina). Tiffany has also independently published seven novellas.

In addition to writing books, Tiffany has a love for theatre, especially musicals. She has used her songwriting talent to write and produce several stage plays: What a Sista Should Do, The Replacement Wife and Just Like Yo’ Daddy, which featured many familiar faces like the late Tommy Ford (Martin), Grammy winning Shirley Murdock, Terri J. Vaughn (The Steve Harvey Show) and Christian Keyes to name a few.

Tiffany’s latest venture has been in the film realm with book to film projects. Her 2015 release, The Favorite Son, is now a movie produced by Swirl Films streaming on BET+ and airing on BET, starring Rotimi and Grammy winning gospel superstar Jonathan McReynolds. Her second film project is a holiday adaptation of The Replacement Wife called Sound of Christmas starring R&B stars Ne-Yo and Serayah. Both her films ranked number one on the BET+ streaming platform at the time of their release being produced by MegaMind Media. Currently in production is a holiday sequel to Favorite Son called A Favorite Son Christmas.

Tiffany’s latest project is a historical fiction novel, about the first black prima donna Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield. Published by William Morrow, the novel entitled A Swan’s Song hits shelves in Spring 2024. You can reach Tiffany on Facebook (@AuthorTiffanyLWarren), Twitter, Instagram, and Clubhouse (@tiffanylwarren), and online at www.tiffanylwarren.com.

Reviews

[Wind · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Harlem Rhapsody, I wanted to dive deeper into the world of W. E. B. Du Bois, and A Harlem Weddingdefinitely gave me more insight into that world. What frustrated me most was the way Du Bois treated his only daughter, Yolande. It felt like, in his eyes, her only purpose was to marry and have children to continue his legacy, while her own feelings and desires barely mattered.
The story centers around Yolande and her journey, and I was happy to see her finally stand up to her father by the end. Still, I wish she had found her voice much earlier, especially before marrying Cullen.
The first half of the book was a bit slow for me, and I struggled to fully get into it. Things didn’t really pick up until around the last quarter of the story, when the drama finally pulled me in.
Since this is historical fiction rooted in real events, it made Yolande’s story even more heartbreaking knowing she wasn’t able to truly be with the person she loved most. Overall, I’d give this one a solid 3⭐
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC!

[KaylaTRBG · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Harlem Wedding details the love life of Yolande DuBois, daughter of civil rights icon WEB DuBois. Warren does a great job humanizing and detailing Yolande’s life from teenage years to adulthood, making her relatable. I feel like the book would’ve benefited for multiple POVs or substantially more detail around her engagement and marriage to Countee Cullen. The wedding felt rushed, as the book is entitled after that life altering event. I ultimately enjoyed her story, as it’s largely unknown, but the title should definitely reflect the totality of the book.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Releases 05.12.2026 💍 Thanks NetGalley & William Morrow for the eARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What an amazing story. That just transport you back in time. I literally have no notes.

Amazing story telling.
Beautiful complex characters.
Forbidden love.

For lovers of RaShonda Tate’ “With Love from Harlem” and of historical fiction/romance.

I honestly went into this story blind but boy did it knock me off my feet. I was gripped to this story from the start. The characters were rich and fully developed complicated beings.

The history and times in which the story took place are tough but they help shape the empathy for all the parties involved. To me it felt like a Shakespearean tragedy. I laughed, I was swept off my feet, I cried. Just an amazingly well researched fictional narrative.

[Malika Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Harlem Wedding by Tiffany L. Warren – A Rich, Messy, and Unforgettable Story

Historical fiction has truly become one of my favorite genres, and A Harlem Wedding has only deepened my love for it. This was my first book by Tiffany L. Warren, and it definitely will not be my last!

This novel follows Yolande Du Bois, the daughter of the legendary W.E.B. Du Bois, and what unfolds is a story that is equal parts glamorous, complicated, messy, and absolutely juicy. Warren does an incredible job bringing the Harlem Renaissance to life the culture, the politics, the tension within the Black elite, and the weight of expectations placed on a young woman growing up in the shadow of greatness.

Yolande’s story felt intimate and layered. Being the daughter of such a towering historical figure comes with privilege, but also immense pressure. The exploration of love, marriage, social status, family expectations, and personal identity was handled with depth and emotional honesty. The drama was real, the stakes felt high, and I found myself completely invested in every decision she made even when I wanted to shake her!

What I loved most was how the book blended historical detail with compelling storytelling. The setting of 1920s Harlem felt vibrant and alive, making the world of the novel immersive and authentic. It wasn’t just a romance it was a powerful look at class, reputation, and the sacrifices people make to protect their legacy.

So good. So messy. So rich in history and emotion.

If you love historical fiction with drama, complex characters, and a deep dive into the Harlem Renaissance era, A Harlem Wedding is a must-read. Five stars without hesitation!

[Sherri B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you William Morrow & NetGalley for an arc of A Harlem Wedding. I truly enjoy historical fiction stories from the Harlem Renaissance period and this one is up there with the rest! This story of Yolande Du Bois and her world wind of a romance life was great! There were points in the story I was yelling at my girl like get up and leave that man alone! But safe to say I stayed hooked in the story and the ending wasn't what I thought would happen but I enjoyed the journey there! Oh and yet again, another book where W.E.B. Du Bois is shown to be a trifling man!!! Overall, I highly recommend!

[WellReadAndRatchet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was my idea of a good time! I love historical fiction novel especially one set in my favorite time period, The Harlem Renaissance. I knew a little bit about Yolande from learning about her father, Dr. W.E.B DuBois, but I loved getting more of her story. I will say I thought this would be about more of her time with Countee and then the marriage but I see why she structured the book this way. It was definitely still a story that I enjoyed, especially seeing some of my favorite historical figures grace the page. Karen Chilton did a great job bringing Yolande to life in my ears. I will be looking forward on what's to come from Warren and revisit some titles from her backlist as well!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harlem Wedding was an overall decent read; however, the title is somewhat misleading, as the wedding itself does not occur until nearly 80% of the book has passed. While the novel is centered on Yolande Du Bois, the daughter of W. E. B. Du Bois, much of the narrative focuses on her relationship with Jimmy Lunceford, which occupies the majority of the story. As a result, the book places greater emphasis on this romantic relationship than on the anticipated wedding suggested by the title.

[Stephanielikesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

After having read and enjoyed An Unexpected Diva by Tiffany Warren, I was excited to receive an advanced digital copy of her latest historical fiction novel, A Harlem Wedding.

Inspired by and based on the life of Yolande du Bois, the daughter of NAACP icon W.E.B du Bois, the 1920s Harlem setting was imbued with authenticity - it’s clear the author undertook extensive research to underpin the historical basis for this novel. The inclusion of famous real-life characters- Langston Hughes, Josephine Baker, and Jessie Fauset - added to the immersive setting.

From the outset, I was caught up in the story and the characters. Yolande was very likeable. She was an intelligent, well-educated, independent-minded young woman who was caught up in seeking her controlling father’s approval, often to the detriment of her own happiness and desires. Yolande’s actions were influenced by her father’s insistence that it was her duty as his daughter to marry within the Harlem elite and produce children to continue the betterment of the lives of Black Americans. Her star-crossed romance with a jazz musician was a casualty of her family’s (and society’s) expectations.

There was so much to love about this compelling novel. The writing flowed off the page and the short, engaging chapters kept me reading well into the night. Telling the story from Yolande’s perspective really made me feel what it must have been like to navigate her life as a young woman caught between her father’s expectations and control and her own desires.

I really enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it.

Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to the author & @williammorrowbooks for my gifted copy & ALC‼️

Captivating and immersive A Harlem Wedding is historical fiction at its finest . . . I’m just so fascinated with this era and the authors have yet to disappoint me with their books. Every time I’m transported back to Harlem and introduced to a new historical figure the history is rich and the tea is always hot!!!

Tiffany L. Warren brings to life Yolande Du Bois the princess of the Harlem Renaissance and daughter of W.E.B. Du Bois. Having a father like William one can only imagine the expectations Yolande had to live up to. Her desire to please her father was insufferable at times but William’s need to control every aspect of Yolande’s life was also overbearing. And when you have people like her mother and Jessie Fauset siding with him it’s hard not to give in.

Just like her father Yolande was the talk of the town. The standards and the scrutiny she was subjected to wasn’t easy. Torn between who she wanted to be and who her father expected her to be Yolande went against her own best interests and sacrificed love to uphold an image set forth by her father. Instead of marrying the love of her life jazz musician Jimmie Lunceford she settled for her father’s choice poet Countee Cullen which forced Yolande to live a lie.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. The author’s ability to breathe life into these characters was so well done. I love how the story progresses as we’re taken through some of Yolande’s major life lessons and relationships before and after she married Countee. The tone of the novel made the book feel authentic and flow naturally. And of course I was entertained by the drama and W.E.B’s arrogantly uncompromising behavior. If you’re a HF fan this should definitely be on your radar I promise you won’t put it down.

[AshleeInPages · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. As difficult as it is to say this, I am not a fan of this book. It’s my first read by this author so I am not sure if this is her usual writing style. The lack of character growth for the characters overshadows the beauty that could have been the portrayal of the Harlem Renaissance. In thinking of all the characters, they are all the same from beginning to end. While I know a lot of research went into the writing of the story, it almost reads as a salacious story of a few well known names during the time. Also, the wedding is such a small part of the overall story that the title feels a little misleading.

The main character, Yolande, comes off as a spoiled brat that has been sheltered for far too long. I understood her behavior at the start of the book but as time went on, I was hoping there would be a shift of some kind but nothing happened. Even into adulthood, she remained spoiled, naive and searching for her Father’s approval by allowing him to control her life. It was a little disappointing that it wasn’t until the end of the story when we started to see a little character growth for Yolande.

This book starts off great but I feel like it falls flat and went on for too long. This story could have been condensed considerably.

[LaCricia A'ngelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not found a book by Tiffany L. Warren that I didn’t love. A Harlem Wedding keeps the tradition alive.

Prior to reading this story I had no real knowledge of Yolande Du Bois. With expert storytelling the author made me feel as though I knew her personally. I felt sad for Yolande and the burden placed on her by her father to marry a man that was suitable for him despite her heart’s desire to marry another man. This story kept me locked in from start to finish. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or not, this book is a must read.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC & ALC Review
📚 Book Title: A Harlem Wedding
✍🏽Author: Tiffany L. Warren
🎙️Narrator: Karen Chilton
📕 Format: 📱& 🎧
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🕑Quick Take:
A Harlem Wedding is a dramatic and perfectly messy novel that follows the coming-of-age princess of the Harlem Renaissance, Yolande Du Bois, daughter of W.E.B. Du Bois, president of the N.A.A.C.P. Yolande was often the center of gossip and scandal from her college years at Fisk to her travels and studies abroad. People wanted to know who she was dating and what she was doing, up until her marriage to renowned poet Countee Cullen. Their spectacular wedding became the social event of the year!

✨ Themes:
- Black Debutant
- Harlem Renaissance
- N.A.A.C.P. Icon’s Daughter
- Society Wedding of the Year

🎭 Narration:
Karen Chilton did a phenomenal job narrating this novel. I felt like I was listening to Yolande’s innermost thoughts and feelings. Her delivery for the other characters was also amazing, bringing them to life. Overall, her performance was outstanding.

💭Final Thoughts:
I enjoyed this novel and audiobook; it was engaging from start to finish. The story was messy and full of drama, but I felt deeply empathetic towards Yolande. I was particularly moved by her unrequited love for Jimmy, which made it a gut-wrenching and heartbreaking tale. It also tells of a daughter yearning to be worthy of her father’s love and grappling with the social pressure and legacy of public figures.

Thanks to Harper Collins Publishers for the ARC and Harper Audio for the ALC!

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of historical fiction, I’m always impressed when a novel sends me down a research rabbit hole and A Harlem Wedding did exactly that.

Centered on Yolande Du Bois, daughter of the legendary W.E.B. Du Bois, the story offers a fascinating look at the pressures, privilege, and expectations placed on Black women of the elite during the Harlem Renaissance.

Yolande is an interesting but often frustrating character. She is intelligent, educated, and occasionally rebellious, yet she struggles to act on her own convictions. Her deep desire for her father’s approval and her sheltered upbringing made her come across as emotionally naive, which added to my frustration with her. That said, it’s easy for me in judge her by 2026 standards, but her flaws highlighted how restrictive and damaging the expectations placed on women, especially women of her status, were during this time.

While the title infers that this novel is about “the wedding”; the wedding itself only appears in the last quarter of the book. More than the title suggests, the journey leading up to and what happens after, provides historical context and insight into Yolande’s inner conflicts. The wedding was the least fascinating thing about the book.

Overall, this is a compelling read that brings a lesser known historical figure to life and offers a nuanced portrayal of a young woman constrained by, societal pressures, her father’s machinations and those who loved him.

Thanks to William Morrow & Harper Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listener copy in return for my honest review.

[Jessica Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Yolande’s story. I found myself googling some things while reading to try to see what was fact or fiction. A very fascinating story that I would love to see a movie or series about if done right. Tiffany’s writing really helped capture the feel and spirit of Harlem during that time. Definitely need to check out more of her works. I will say that the other reviews are correct about the wedding being towards the end of the book. But I enjoyed the storytelling throughout.

[Love BookReviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took my time reading this book because I wanted to savor every detail about Yolande Du Bois who I previously had no knowledge of. After reading, I immediately went to the internet to search a lot of the characters mentioned in the book. There’s just something about the Harlem Renaissance era that pulls me in as it is rich with so much profound history, but also enough mess to let us know how human these individuals were.

Yolande walked in the shadow of her father and needed his approval in everything because he was such an authoritarian father, which had an impact on all of her decisions even into adulthood. It was as if she was living for him and not for herself, which ultimately shaped the direction of her life. I just wanted her to get a happy ending!

The book is slow paced and has some repetition that may make readers feel like the story is being dragged; however, it gave me depth and connection to these characters.

The wedding does take place around 80% in, so that is possibly the only con (along with the slow pacing).

I loved some characters, couldn’t stand some others, but overall this was a great read and kept my attention!

Thanks Netgalley for this ARC!

[Teminikan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing storytelling, this book was entertaining from start to finish. I loved how the book blended history and messy but layered characters.
The story wasn’t just romance it also explored status, class, and culture.

I wish Yolande found her voice sooner, I wish she stood her ground more, I wish she didn’t think her father was so perfect that she had to do everything to please him. But then considering the time the book was set in, I understand her a little.

If you love historical fictions with a bit of romance and layered characters then I recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for the arc

[Bossmanaries Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone knows that a wedding ceremony only lasts about 20 minutes, the story always is bigger than the festivities yet it’s in getting to the altar and the aftermath. Here we have a Harlem Renaissance period piece where the only child of WEB DuBois, his daughter Yolanda has to live within the world of her overachieving, overbearing and overly pompous father. Can she become her own woman or will she consistently follow the path that her father lays for her?

Yolanda is a byproduct of black excellence and upper black society. She has to handle the misogynistic life for a black woman as well as the infamous WEB DuBois’ daughter. It is smothering to see a woman live for others and not follow her own passions and the main character yet comes off as a spoiled rotten child instead of a college educated woman. You will consistently waiver between her love for two men, her lover and her father. There is some spice in this book.

This was a good historical fiction and I am graciously thankful to for allowing me to read this beautiful story in advanced of being published. Thank you William Morrow #williammorrow for providing this book for review consideration via #netgalley.

In the future, I would love to attend an author event by Tiffany L. Warren. I’m recommending this book to other historical fiction lovers and Harlem Renaissance fans.

Rating: 4.25 stars

#AHarlemWedding #NetGalley.

[Iman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, to be worthy. 😢

“Maybe if you hadn’t made greatness a condition of your love, I would have loved myself sooner.” - Yolande Du Bois, A Harlem Wedding.

By the time I made it to the end of A Harlem Wedding, there was one quote (not even from the book) that kept echoing in my mind as it pertains to W.E.B. Du Bois and the insurmountable pressure he placed on his daughter, Yolande Du Bois: “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

As the “Princess of Harlem” and sole heir to the movement and Talented Tenth concept her father coined, it becomes clear throughout this novel that Yolande spent her entire life trying to please her father, and it came at the expense of her personal happiness, identity, and love life.

This is historical fiction, but it definitely leans into forbidden love, on several fronts and for several characters.

The story begins with Yolande’s matriculation to Fisk University, her father’s alma mater, and Parts 1 and 2 almost give a 1920s “A Different World” vibe. From her college romance and exploits with jazz musician Jimmie Lunceford, to her father’s repeated attempts to marry her off to a man he deemed worthy within his Talented Tenth circle, to joining a sorority and her adventures gallivanting between Harlem and Paris. Yolande was living life!

In Parts 3 and 4, we slowly watch Yolande fall in line with her father’s expectations as she pursues his chosen studies and jobs, and even agrees to marry his chosen suitor, famed poet Countee Cullen. And whew…this is where her life, and her understanding of love, begins to unravel in ways even she could not have imagined.

It isn’t until the last fifth of the book that Yolande truly begins standing up for herself and confronting EVERYONE, including her father. And I have to say: the final 20% of this book had me ON EDGE. Those chapters alone bumped my rating from a 3.75 to a 4. By the time Yolande finally allowed herself to be, do, and love who and what she truly wanted, it almost felt too late for her, and that genuinely pulled at my heartstrings.

Spoiler-ish: Yolande ran up on Ms. Jessie Fauset with receipts and QUESTIONS?!!! IYKYK 🫣🫢🫨

I found it especially interesting that the thing that finally pushed Yolande to stand on her own was realizing that, as outstanding and accomplished her father, her beloved mentor Jessie Fauset, her mother, and all of their high society peers were, they were all deeply imperfect people.

While I enjoyed the novel overall, I did struggle with the inconsistent time jumps between chapters. Some skipped ahead nearly a decade, while others were only separated by a few months, which occasionally disrupted the pacing for me.

Early on, the prose also felt a bit “Adult YA,” and much of the storytelling relies heavily on dialogue. While that isn’t my preferred writing style, I can appreciate that it allowed readers to interpret conversations and draw their own conclusions rather than having every emotion or plot point overexplained.

I’m appreciative of NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for my eARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this read!

[Neek Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for my eARC! All opinions are my own.

A Harlem Wedding is the kind of story that feels like stepping into a love-soaked neighborhood block party where every corner holds history, laughter, and a little bit of chaos that somehow makes everything feel alive.

From the very beginning, the story pulls you into Harlem not just as a setting, but as a living, breathing character. The culture, the rhythm of the streets, the tight-knit community energy, it all wraps around the romance in a way that makes the love story feel rooted, intentional, and deeply personal.

At the center, the romance unfolds with both tenderness and tension. This isn’t just about two people falling in love, it’s about two people learning how to trust love when life, family expectations, and past wounds keep knocking at the door. The chemistry between the main characters is steady and layered, not rushed, which makes every soft moment and every emotional breakthrough feel earned.

What stood out most is how the story balances romance with real emotional stakes. Family dynamics, personal growth, and the weight of old decisions all weave through the plot without overshadowing the love story. Instead, they deepen it. You get the sense that this relationship doesn’t exist in isolation, it has roots, history, and community impact.

The pacing keeps things engaging, moving between heartfelt moments, humorous exchanges, and just enough drama to keep the emotional tension alive without overwhelming the romance. There are scenes that will make you smile quietly to yourself, and others that linger a little longer after you put the book down.

And of course, the wedding backdrop adds a beautiful layer of anticipation. It becomes more than just an event, it’s a symbol of commitment, healing, and what it means to choose love in front of everyone who has ever known your story.

Overall, A Harlem Wedding is a warm, emotional, and satisfying read that celebrates Black love, community, and second chances in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. It’s the kind of book you finish and immediately want to recommend to someone else who understands the beauty of love stories grounded in real life.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having read Harlem Rhapsody, I wanted to know more about W.E.B. Du Bois's family. Enter this book, A Harlem Wedding, right on time! It is a deep dive into the lives of his wife Nina but more especially his daughter Yolande, covering her relationship with her father, the loves in her life, and her role in the social scene..

Yolande's relationship with her dad was very complex. She craved the attention of her father, although rarely got it. Instead she got an egotistical, self-serving, dad who took every opportunity to promote his agenda: her prom, her graduation, her wedding! He was all the way over the top. Now onto Yolande's love life. Whew, chile!! I had no idea how risqué and sassy she was. She was always on the lookout for the handsome boy (or man) on the scene. This started during her teens and continued into her college time at Fisk University, which just happened to be where her dad attended. Wonder if he had anything to do with that college choice? Okay back to Yolande again. She got involved in a relationship that daddy was totally against and when I say involved, I mean scandal involved. She didn't care what gossip got back to NY. And marriage #1? Now, that was a shocker. The social scene was one where Yolande flourished. She was unashamedly herself at these times. Unbothered by what her family thought or how she was going to be portrayed in the press,

I really enjoyed learning more about the Du Bois family outside of W.E.B. Du Bois's notable contributions. Even if you aren't a historical fiction fan you will enjoy following Yolande's life as a young, black, socialite during the Harlem Renaissance, learning the highs and lows of her life as a result of her daddy issues, and watching how her life lead her in a completely different direction once she started to make choices for her self. My only complaints were that the book read YA at some times and because of this, Yolande's naiveness seemed improbable. Also, I wished that some of the pages devoted to her post-college time would have been used for her late years.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book! My review was completely unbiased.

[Denae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Yolande Du Bois and her romantic pursuits while also living life as a Harlem socialite. I fell in love with the relationship between Jimmie and Yolande and found myself rooting for their happily ever after! Unfortunately Yolande allowed her father to have a lot of say over her love life and ultimately married the man he felt was worthy. Yolande was to be the embodiment of his talented tenth philosophy so that meant marrying a man worthy of continuing this legacy to produce talented heirs. I found this to be an overall interesting and intriguing read and left me wanting to research more while reading.

My only critique is that the book seemed to drag in some spots like maybe towards the middle. I found myself losing interest as it went on and on. Perhaps it could have been a little shorter to cut out some of the filler. Ultimately I was able to get back into the book and the ending really picked up for me. I felt so sad for Yolande and when you read you’ll see why. Overall still a great read.

[Maliika Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the chance to dive into Yolande Du Bois’s world in A Harlem Wedding. It’s an interesting look at a young woman trying to navigate life under the massive shadow of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois. However, I observed that Yolande often comes across as quite spoiled, appearing to play the victim and blaming her parents for her own refusal to choose the love of her life.

The book could have been significantly shorter since the middle sections tend to drag. I would have preferred if that space was used to provide more vivid details of 1920s Harlem life rather than focusing so much on Yolande’s passivity. The pacing felt uneven, especially with the ending and the actual wedding feeling rushed after such a long buildup.

Overall, it’s a revealing portrait of someone who struggled to claim her own autonomy despite her elite status. It offers a unique perspective on the era, even if the protagonist’s lack of growth was frustrating at times. Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the early copy

[Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable historical fiction about W.E.B. Du Bois’ daughter, Yolande, and the pressure of growing up with a very influential father who has strong plans for her future.

I liked the Harlem setting, the relationships, and the overall atmosphere. It was easy to get into and stay engaged.

While listening, it kept reminding me of the TV show A Different World, and I loved later seeing in the author’s note that it was one of the inspirations.

It also gave me similar feelings to A Harlem Rhapsody because of the familiar Harlem Renaissance figures woven through the story.

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it.

[Cait Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so tickled by this story. Yolande DuBois, daughter of activist W.E.B. DuBois, has been under her father's strings since she was a child. When she gets a bit of freedom during college, she finds herself in a toxic and longwinded relationship with Jimmy.

I loved that we got to experience the hard lessons with Yolande. She makes a lot of mistakes, even to the point of ignoring her own health. Not to mention, she had all the men swooning over her yet used most of them for access and company...the definition of a famous socialite.

I was hoping for a positive outcome for Yolande. However, the pressure to be the perfect daughter weighed on her, and ultimately affected her later choices in life. The ending was so so somber.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story pulled me ALL the way in.

A Harlem Wedding had me completely invested. The storytelling was so immersive, I found myself doing my own research, looking up the real people behind the characters just to connect even deeper.

Yolande stood out as such a powerful and talented woman during the Harlem Renaissance. I really felt her struggle trying to live up to the expectations of her father, W. E. B. Du Bois, while also navigating her own desires and identity. The pressure he placed on her was heavy, especially coming from a man who had his own flaws and contradictions.

The tension between duty, love, and independence was written so well, and it made her story feel real and emotional.

I highly recommend this book. Tiffany L. Warren clearly did her research and brought Yolande’s story to life in a way that stays with you!

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this book and I was so disappointed. The blurb makes the books seem scandalous. When it’s actually a book about a woman who let others make decisions for her which ended in disaster. Because she didn’t trust her own heart, she ended up alone and without the love of her life.

Yolande DuBois was the daughter of WEB DuBois and this is the story of her life. However, to me most of the book was boring. Her life as a privileged IT girl of Harlem, was shallow and unfulfilled. She had three men in her life.

Her father WEB DuBois - an un-affectionate man who she wasted too much of her life trying to please.

Jimmie - her true love, who she never married because her father didn’t believe he was gifted enough.

Countee - her friend who she did marry at her father’s bequest, for it to only end in divorce 18 months later.

I disliked Yolande for her inability to live her life for herself. She was wimpy, spoiled and willingly gave up her love for Jimmie. It made the book challenging to read and to finish. But I didn’t want to DNF since I’d so looked forward to reading it. But honestly I would tell you to pass on this one. It took too long to get to the heartbreaking ending.

[Constance Chevalier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a long but interesting story of W.E.B. Du Bois and his daughter through the years.

[Cel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the messiness, the secrets and Drama. Tiffany L. Warren captures the essence of the Harlem Renaissance era so flawlessly that I felt like I was walking right through it. The characters possess an incredible amount of emotional depth, making them feel entirely real.
Yolanda, in particular, completely anchors the story—watching her navigate the complex stakes, family expectations, and her own desires added such a rich layer to the narrative.

[Tulip_OnTheTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Family Drama is Ripe for Daytime TV! 🍿

Let me tell you, Yolande's choices made this a decent read packed with plenty to yap about. Good, bad, or indifferent, she made a decision and went with it; influenced or not. She was witty, curious, and underestimated. I enjoyed learning about her! 🥂

I loved how Harlem and Paris were central characters. Their inclusion drove home a visceral fact: people of color were often more accepted abroad than they were during the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras in America. Learning more about the deep-seated hate in this country makes me nauseous every single time I think about it, but it's a truth that needs to be continuously told no matter how hard people try to bury it. 📜

I enjoyed the drama of Yolande's younger years while she was finding her way in this world. It made me think back to my late teens, and early 20s, when I had to make "life changing" decisions; were they my own or was I living for someone else? Thought provoking, for sure. 🤔

I loved hanging out with the cast during the Harlem Renaissance; dancing in the night clubs, defying Prohibition, living their best lives! I could absolutely see glimpses of myself in this crew being young, wild, and free! 💃🏾

The most authentic part of this reading experience? The research it sparked. I knew next to nothing about the Du Bois family, but after digging into the real-life events the author referenced, my jaw was on the floor. I wish I was a fly on the wall in their household; oh so daytime TV worthy! 👏🏾

Tiffany L. Warren did an amazing job blending bits of fiction with heavy facts; at times, it read like a biography that was incredibly easy to consume. However, I was craving more depth. I wanted much more context around the men: Countee, Jimmie, and Harold. The roles they played in her life had me sitting up in bed at 2 o'clock AM! 👀

The Aftermath 🌷:
I’m giving this a light 4 stars. Why? Because I was expecting a story centered around the Harlem princess's wedding; it was the highlight of the book and I wish it happened sooner. This read more like a coming-of-age or YA novel that focused on her developmental years, which was cool, but for those of us who were expecting "tea", sadly, my cup was left a little empty. ☕️📉

The author is a great storyteller; I just wanted more of the adult years! Don't get me wrong, the book was packed with drama, secrets, and mess the synopsis promised, but the balance felt a bit off for me. ⚖️

If you like a scandalous historical fiction, this is definitely one to add to your list. 📖

Publication Date: May 12, 2026

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Tiffany L. Warren for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[India Jones-Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of A Harlem Wedding in exchange for an honest review.

A Harlem Wedding follows Yolande Du Bois, the cherished “rainbow baby” of civil rights intellectual W. E. B. Du Bois and Nina Du Bois. From the beginning, Yolande’s life is shaped by the expectations that come with her famous father’s name. The story opens with a relatable moment—Yolande worrying about not having a date to the Promenade—but quickly pivots when she meets the charming and talented Jimmie Lunceford after sneaking out with friends. Yolande is immediately convinced he will be her Jimmie.

The problem? Her father will never approve.

As Yolande continues her studies at Fisk University, fate places Jimmie back in her orbit. Their relationship deepens, but it doesn’t come without complications. Social pressures, family expectations, and romantic rivalry—particularly from Yolande’s nemesis Chrystal Tulli—create tension that follows Yolande throughout her college years. Determined to prove her love is worthy, Yolande struggles to balance honoring her father’s legacy while carving out a life of her own.

Along the way, Yolande develops a meaningful friendship with rising poet Countee Cullen, whose presence introduces another layer of emotional complexity and sparks friction between Yolande and Jimmie. The novel explores the emotional cost of living under the shadow of greatness while longing for independence and love.

While the historical setting and real-life figures add richness to the story, the pacing felt uneven. A significant portion of the novel lingers on the early development of Yolande and Jimmie’s relationship, which at times feels overly drawn out. Ironically, when the story reaches the dramatic events surrounding the infamous Harlem wedding, the aftermath is handled too quickly. The emotional fallout and consequences deserved more space and closure.

Still, the novel offers an intriguing glimpse into the personal life of a woman often remembered only through the lens of her father’s legacy. Yolande emerges as a young woman caught between love, reputation, and the desire to live life on her own terms.

Overall, A Harlem Wedding is an interesting historical portrait that highlights the tension between family legacy and personal freedom, though a more balanced pacing—especially around the climactic events—would have made the story even more satisfying.