The Next Thing Is Joy: The Gospel According to Vivian Grace

by Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts

Genres: Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

As a writer, educator, and publisher, Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts offers those who hear her speak and read her work an authentic experience; an opportunity to explore the intersection of identity (race, class, and culture) and faith/spirituality at the deepest levels. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Kentucky, an M.B.A. in Marketing from Montclair State University in New Jersey, and an M.F.A in Creative Writing from Fairleigh-Dickinson University. She is a professor of English at the Community College of Philadelphia.

As a writer, Tracey has published two award-winning poetry collections and is the author of seven additional books, including The Integrated Church: Strategies for Multicultural Ministry (Beacon Hill) her novel, The Search for Susu, and a collection of essays and stories, Diaper Bags and Church Shoes: Living at the Intersection of Faith and Motherhood. Additionally, Tracey’s writing has been published in print and online publications such as The Guardian, TheRoot.com, Ebony.com, The Chronicle for Higher Education, MyBrownBaby.com, DAME Magazine, and more.

From 2012 to 2014, this Louisville, KY native served as the Managing Editor at CLC Publications, where she was involved in shaping the work of wonderful writers like Fred Hartley, Matt Mitchell, and others. She is currently the founder and President of NewSeason Books, an independent publisher of what she calls “transformational literature.” Most recently, Tracey was honored at the 2016 BlogHer Conference by SheKnows Media as one of the “Voices of the Year” for her nuanced and creative perspective on mental health, PTSD, and self-care.

A dynamic and compelling communicator, Lewis-Giggetts has spoken in national venues across the country on a number of important topics and platforms. She conducts workshops across the country and has provided keynote addresses for several non-profit organizations.

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC!

First and foremost, the audiobook was stellar. The narrator read this story with so much passion, and you could really feel her connection with her character. It read more like a memoir because of this.

The book itself was incredibly poignant, but really hard to listen to. It deals with a lot of heavy topics, and you find yourself wanting to scream at Vivian to just love herself and get out of that situation already! But knowing the multi-generational trauma and cycles that she is experiencing, you also understand that hesitation. As Vivian Grace said, the emotional wounds are what take longer to heal.

I wanted to see more of Vivian and her daughter at the end. The rest of the book did a great job at showing this multi-generational family and their struggles, and I wanted to see that continued more with the daughter. How will Vivian raise her differently? Will she be able to break this cycle of emotional repression?

Finally, I enjoyed the narrative the Vivian was searching for one thing: to be seen. She wanted to feel loved, and accepted, and to know that her voice and her person carries weight in the world. So Vivian Grace, I see you. And I’m still chasing that feeling too.

[Esosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating story about one woman’s journey back to herself. Vivian’s life has been marked by domestic abuse, betrayal, and a constant search for belonging. That search first leads her to the women’s branch of the Black Panther Party, where she believes she’s contributing to a greater cause. But the disconnect between the group’s message and the actions of its leaders—especially the violence she endures from her partner, Reggie—becomes impossible to ignore.

In her desperation for safety and purpose, Vivian finds refuge in an unexpected place: the church. What unfolds is a powerful story of a woman seeking freedom and salvation, a journey shaped by unexpected allies, new definitions of community, and the hope for a future where generational cycles are finally broken.

Fast-paced, engaging, and beautifully told. I flew through this one.

[Lanae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Tracey Michael’ for sending me sending me advanced audio copy of The Next Thing Is Joy: The Gospel According to Vivian Grace by Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts.


Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts does a wonderful job showing the dynamics of an abusive relationship. She also shows why people stay. Lewis-Giggetts also handles other traumatic events with an understanding of those who experience violence and abuse.

One of those experiences was Vivan's faith and religious background. The author has religious references throughout the book. I usually do not read books like that, but this one was pushing religious beliefs on readers. The author just told of Vivian's beliefs and experiences, which I appreciated. What pulled me in was the storytelling of Vivian's background. She provided enough information that it was overwhelming. But it helped understand Vivian's life and life choices.

I give it four stars because of the vibrant storytelling of healing, second chances, and self-love. But it was more a book of self-discovery than romance. It was a beautiful story of how a person can heal after experiencing traumatic events. I enjoyed seeing the healing journey of Vivian.

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trauma that's never addressed will often have you acting in ways that are not in your best interest. Vivian Grace hasn't healed from the traumas of her childhood. She presses on to try create a life that is meaningful. In 1970's Chicago, The Black Panther Party is make a big impact on the community and Vivian believes she has found her calling. She also meets her first love, the handsome, charismatic Reggie.
To say life with Reggie is a roller coaster would be an understatement. Vivian, like so many broken women prioritizes her relationship and Reggie's desires over her safety and self worth. This is a really hard listen because the subject matter is so heavy. There is ultimately an HEA though.
The narrator Angel Pean did a great job with this audiobook.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts for this ALC.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was hard to listen to. The level of abuse Vivian endured but kept staying for was emotionally draining. This is book 3 of the series. After listening to Sasha’s and Joy’s story, I wondered how they got to the point of making so many bad choices when it came to men. This is generational trauma and the author did a good job of showing how she got there and why she stayed. It’s also about healing, restoring faith, survival, and finding value in yourself and getting the love you deserved.

[Amina Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the Audio ARC

Heartfelt stories of resilience and finding strength in suffering. Every woman can get something from this. The Narration was beautifully soulful. This Novella was raw and relentless, and didn't hold back. Be prepared for a gut punch.