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Scars after Harmattan
Not yet published
Expected 6 Feb 26“At forty, Makamba Ekong has everything she once swore she’d never live without—money, power, and the kind of fame that makes her impossible to ignore. From the crowded streets of Calabar to the glittering lights of Nollywood and Hollywood, she clawed her way up, fueled by two truths she carved into her bones: poverty is a curse, and sex is survival.
She is brilliant. She is ruthless. She is unforgettable.
And then she meets Seleem, a billionaire who doesn’t play by her rules. For the first time, Makamba feels the one thing she spent her whole life avoiding—love. But love speaks a language she doesn’t understand.
How does a woman who has always equated money with affection and lust with safety learn to accept something softer? Something she can’t buy, seduce, or control?
As old scandals resurface and her carefully built empire trembles, Makamba must confront the truth:
Will she let love in—or will she lose the one thing her money can’t secure?”
She is brilliant. She is ruthless. She is unforgettable.
And then she meets Seleem, a billionaire who doesn’t play by her rules. For the first time, Makamba feels the one thing she spent her whole life avoiding—love. But love speaks a language she doesn’t understand.
How does a woman who has always equated money with affection and lust with safety learn to accept something softer? Something she can’t buy, seduce, or control?
As old scandals resurface and her carefully built empire trembles, Makamba must confront the truth:
Will she let love in—or will she lose the one thing her money can’t secure?”
Paperback
Expected publication February 6, 2026
7 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know when you finish reading a book and you don't want it to end as though you have an unfinished business with the characters, that's how I felt after reading this book.
I got into the book wondering what the FMC's story would be like, then as I dug deeper into the book, I was met with shocking revelations, twists, turns and I could only relate and empathize with all she went through.
This book also explores the importance of friendships, sisterhood, people in your corner that could hold you through all the phases of life, people you could count on. It's truly a blessing to experience such.
Give me a MMC, that would make you swoon and envious of his love interest, that is who Saleem was in this book and more. I liked how he gently and slowly tore down her defense, it was beautiful to read.
Can I also mention that plot twist, oh no!, I didn't see that coming, not at all. I went from shock to anger in split seconds. I would have loved to see what became of Mmakamba's family at the end. I'd have really loved to know..
This was an enjoyable read and I can't help but think about the characters.
I got into the book wondering what the FMC's story would be like, then as I dug deeper into the book, I was met with shocking revelations, twists, turns and I could only relate and empathize with all she went through.
This book also explores the importance of friendships, sisterhood, people in your corner that could hold you through all the phases of life, people you could count on. It's truly a blessing to experience such.
Give me a MMC, that would make you swoon and envious of his love interest, that is who Saleem was in this book and more. I liked how he gently and slowly tore down her defense, it was beautiful to read.
Can I also mention that plot twist, oh no!, I didn't see that coming, not at all. I went from shock to anger in split seconds. I would have loved to see what became of Mmakamba's family at the end. I'd have really loved to know..
This was an enjoyable read and I can't help but think about the characters.
January 4, 2026
This book was raw and powerful.
Mmakamba’s journey from pain, abuse and trauma in Calabar to strength and becoming a self made woman in the chaotic streets of Lagos was inspiring.
I loved the sisterhood, the strong support they have for each other, the honesty, and how real her struggles felt.
Mmakamba and Saleem’s relationship was really intense, messy, real but unforgettable. Their relationship wasn’t perfect but it was solid in their own way.
This book explored deep themes of trauma, pain, friendship, strength, and healing.
I loved the way Mmakamba rose up and carried herself with grace despite all the things she went through. Her story mirrors what most women go through silently.
One thing I took from this book is to never stay silent. And for every woman out there, your own person is always waiting. And no matter how messy you think you life or story is, never let the society define you, stand up, claim your voice, retell your story and embrace your scars.
A solid 4.5 ⭐️ for me, I couldn’t put it down, I finished this book in one sitting. That’s how good it is.
Cynthia Tasha did a great one with this book, my favorite book from her yet😌👏 Take your flowers💐
Mmakamba’s journey from pain, abuse and trauma in Calabar to strength and becoming a self made woman in the chaotic streets of Lagos was inspiring.
I loved the sisterhood, the strong support they have for each other, the honesty, and how real her struggles felt.
Mmakamba and Saleem’s relationship was really intense, messy, real but unforgettable. Their relationship wasn’t perfect but it was solid in their own way.
This book explored deep themes of trauma, pain, friendship, strength, and healing.
I loved the way Mmakamba rose up and carried herself with grace despite all the things she went through. Her story mirrors what most women go through silently.
One thing I took from this book is to never stay silent. And for every woman out there, your own person is always waiting. And no matter how messy you think you life or story is, never let the society define you, stand up, claim your voice, retell your story and embrace your scars.
A solid 4.5 ⭐️ for me, I couldn’t put it down, I finished this book in one sitting. That’s how good it is.
Cynthia Tasha did a great one with this book, my favorite book from her yet😌👏 Take your flowers💐
January 17, 2026
This book was incredibly addictive, once I started, I genuinely couldn’t put it down. It explored very delicate and heavy topics, and while some parts were triggering for me, I understand how necessary it is for stories like this to be told. They offer readers a glimpse into experiences people may be silently going through.
The characters were truly lovable, and I really enjoyed how the plot unfolded.
The characters were truly lovable, and I really enjoyed how the plot unfolded.
Review of advance copy received from Author
'there is no room for morality in a house of hunger; you can deal with your conscience when you die'..........Mmakamba Ekong
Scars After Harmattan tells the story of Makamba Ekong, a woman who has worked very hard to escape poverty and pain. At forty, she is rich, powerful, and respected. She believes that money keeps people safe and that love is something you can control or use to survive. Because of her past, Makamba has built strong walls around her heart.
Even though her life looks perfect from the outside, Makamba is emotionally closed off. She doesn’t trust love and avoids getting too attached to anyone. Her success comes from years of struggle, sacrifice, and emotional wounds she has never fully healed from.
Everything begins to change when she meets Seleem, a wealthy man who is calm, patient, and different from anyone she has known. Seleem is not interested in controlling Makamba or being controlled by her. Instead, he offers her real affection and emotional safety, something she doesn’t know how to accept.
As their relationship grows, Makamba is forced to face her past — the mistakes, the pain, and the choices she made to survive. Old problems and secrets resurface, making her question whether she can truly open her heart without losing herself.
In the end, Scars After Harmattan is about healing, learning to trust, and understanding that strength does not always mean being hard. Sometimes, true strength comes from allowing yourself to love and be loved, even when it feels risky.
I absolutely loved the book; it was an amazing read. I love the fact the story shows that even after difficult seasons healing is possible. I will recommend it any day.
Thank you for a copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scar After Harmattan is packed with many interesting and delicate topics that are deeply relatable and reflective of what we see in everyday life.
The story follows Mmakamba as she battles poverty and navigates the challenges of being a young, single woman in Lagos without money, power, or backing. Her journey is raw, honest, and very real.
One thing that truly stood out to me was how the author wrote Mmakamba’s struggles, her growth, and her relationships, especially with her friends and Saleem. Every stage of her development felt intentional and well thought out.
Mmakamba’s relationship with Saleem was beautifully written. He sees her for who she truly is, grounds her, and supports her in a way that feels genuine and comforting. Their connection added so much depth to the story.
This book also highlights the importance of community. It shows that women need their own tribe, and Mmakamba had people who held her down and stood by her through everything.
The character development in this book is top tier. Watching the characters evolve and grow made the story even more impactful.
The twist completely caught me off guard. I did not see it coming at all, and I truly believe this is something readers should experience for themselves.
Overall, this book sheds light on the struggles women face when they lack financial stability or support, and it beautifully portrays how Mmakamba fought tooth and nail to become who she is.
My favorite quote: "If the world wants to break you, let it try. But never let it finish you."
I recommend this book with my full chest.
Thank you to the author for this beautiful story.
The story follows Mmakamba as she battles poverty and navigates the challenges of being a young, single woman in Lagos without money, power, or backing. Her journey is raw, honest, and very real.
One thing that truly stood out to me was how the author wrote Mmakamba’s struggles, her growth, and her relationships, especially with her friends and Saleem. Every stage of her development felt intentional and well thought out.
Mmakamba’s relationship with Saleem was beautifully written. He sees her for who she truly is, grounds her, and supports her in a way that feels genuine and comforting. Their connection added so much depth to the story.
This book also highlights the importance of community. It shows that women need their own tribe, and Mmakamba had people who held her down and stood by her through everything.
The character development in this book is top tier. Watching the characters evolve and grow made the story even more impactful.
The twist completely caught me off guard. I did not see it coming at all, and I truly believe this is something readers should experience for themselves.
Overall, this book sheds light on the struggles women face when they lack financial stability or support, and it beautifully portrays how Mmakamba fought tooth and nail to become who she is.
My favorite quote: "If the world wants to break you, let it try. But never let it finish you."
I recommend this book with my full chest.
Thank you to the author for this beautiful story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mmakamba a girl born into hardship in Calabar a life shaped by poverty, abuse, and unspoken trauma. Growing up surrounded by pain, she learned early how cruel the world could be, and she built her heart into armor, avoiding love long before she even understood it.
But survival has a way of evolving.
Her journey takes her from Calabar’s shadows to Lagos’ blinding lights, where she transforms into a woman defined not by what broke her, but by what she rebuilt. Strong, wealthy, and fiercely resilient, she carries her past with grace, not shame.
Just when she believes love is a story meant for others, it finds her anyway through Seleem. Their connection is intense, raw, and deeply real. It doesn’t announce itself. It doesn’t wait. It just comes. And when it does, it changes everything.
Despite doubt from the world, Mmakamba never doubted herself. She speaks boldly about her future a place in Nollywood, a voice in journalism, a pen in storytelling. She dreams without apology, rises without permission, and believes even when others refuse to.
This book is a journey through friendship, trauma, healing, and self-discovery showing that strength isn’t the absence of pain, but proof you lived through it. A solid 4/5 ⭐
A story that reminds you that no matter how heavy life gets, giving up is never the answer. Mmakamba is the evidence. I loved every page.🤭🥹
But survival has a way of evolving.
Her journey takes her from Calabar’s shadows to Lagos’ blinding lights, where she transforms into a woman defined not by what broke her, but by what she rebuilt. Strong, wealthy, and fiercely resilient, she carries her past with grace, not shame.
Just when she believes love is a story meant for others, it finds her anyway through Seleem. Their connection is intense, raw, and deeply real. It doesn’t announce itself. It doesn’t wait. It just comes. And when it does, it changes everything.
Despite doubt from the world, Mmakamba never doubted herself. She speaks boldly about her future a place in Nollywood, a voice in journalism, a pen in storytelling. She dreams without apology, rises without permission, and believes even when others refuse to.
This book is a journey through friendship, trauma, healing, and self-discovery showing that strength isn’t the absence of pain, but proof you lived through it. A solid 4/5 ⭐
A story that reminds you that no matter how heavy life gets, giving up is never the answer. Mmakamba is the evidence. I loved every page.🤭🥹
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scars After Harmattan follows the life of Mmakamba, a woman whose story is shaped by hardship, resilience, and an unrelenting desire to rise above her circumstances.
Mmakamba grows up in poverty, and from a very young age, she is painfully aware of it. She hates the limitations that come with being born into a poor family, and this fuels her determination to become rich and successful. Despite facing countless struggles, she remains resilient, constantly pushing forward even when life keeps dealing with her.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this book is the sisterhood Mmakamba finds in school. She meets friends who eventually become sisters, women who support her and help her heal in ways she didn’t even realize she needed. Their friendship gives her a sense of belonging and helps her forget parts of her painful past. I loved how they showed up for each other at all times.
When Mmakamba meets Saleem, he turns out to be everything she was not expecting. Unlike the men she had encountered before, Saleem is thoughtful, patient, and emotionally present. Even when he had every reason to walk away, he chose to stay, meeting her with understanding rather than judgment.
Scars After Harmattan is a story of survival, ambition, healing, and the power of chosen family. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book.
Mmakamba grows up in poverty, and from a very young age, she is painfully aware of it. She hates the limitations that come with being born into a poor family, and this fuels her determination to become rich and successful. Despite facing countless struggles, she remains resilient, constantly pushing forward even when life keeps dealing with her.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this book is the sisterhood Mmakamba finds in school. She meets friends who eventually become sisters, women who support her and help her heal in ways she didn’t even realize she needed. Their friendship gives her a sense of belonging and helps her forget parts of her painful past. I loved how they showed up for each other at all times.
When Mmakamba meets Saleem, he turns out to be everything she was not expecting. Unlike the men she had encountered before, Saleem is thoughtful, patient, and emotionally present. Even when he had every reason to walk away, he chose to stay, meeting her with understanding rather than judgment.
Scars After Harmattan is a story of survival, ambition, healing, and the power of chosen family. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scars After Harmattan is an emotionally rich story that explores survival, ambition, and the complexities of womanhood.
Makamba Ekong grows up with hunger in all its forms; material and emotional, and makes a vow early in life to never remain poor. That vow becomes the foundation of her choices, her resilience, and her hardness. The book does a thoughtful job of examining how poverty shapes desire, power, and self-worth.
What stood out most to me was the later-in-life friendship Makamba forms. That relationship became the emotional anchor of the story, highlighting the importance of sisterhood, softness, and connection in a world that often demands women be unyielding.
The plot twist was completely unexpected, I genuinely had to reread earlier pages because I thought I had missed something. I hadn’t. It was well-executed and impactful.
Overall, this is a compelling, reflective read about hunger, survival, and the quiet ways women hold each other together.
Makamba Ekong grows up with hunger in all its forms; material and emotional, and makes a vow early in life to never remain poor. That vow becomes the foundation of her choices, her resilience, and her hardness. The book does a thoughtful job of examining how poverty shapes desire, power, and self-worth.
What stood out most to me was the later-in-life friendship Makamba forms. That relationship became the emotional anchor of the story, highlighting the importance of sisterhood, softness, and connection in a world that often demands women be unyielding.
The plot twist was completely unexpected, I genuinely had to reread earlier pages because I thought I had missed something. I hadn’t. It was well-executed and impactful.
Overall, this is a compelling, reflective read about hunger, survival, and the quiet ways women hold each other together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love when a writer can carry a reader through different emotions and situations, making you feel omnipresent in the story.
Scars After Harmattan is the kind of book that pulls you out of a reading slump. The storytelling and attention to detail are deeply compelling. It tells the story of a woman whose financial struggles and background pushed her toward success. She turned lack into excess and shame into fame. Makamba refused to let her past define her; instead, she defined herself.
What makes her journey even more refreshing is the sisterhood she finds along the way, especially for someone who started out with no friends. There is warmth, resilience, and quiet strength woven into her growth.
Once you pick up SAH, you find yourself on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what happens next.
It is heartbreaking, breathtaking, fiery and beautiful story. It is definitely a top recommendation for me.
Scars After Harmattan is the kind of book that pulls you out of a reading slump. The storytelling and attention to detail are deeply compelling. It tells the story of a woman whose financial struggles and background pushed her toward success. She turned lack into excess and shame into fame. Makamba refused to let her past define her; instead, she defined herself.
What makes her journey even more refreshing is the sisterhood she finds along the way, especially for someone who started out with no friends. There is warmth, resilience, and quiet strength woven into her growth.
Once you pick up SAH, you find yourself on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what happens next.
It is heartbreaking, breathtaking, fiery and beautiful story. It is definitely a top recommendation for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scars After Harmattan tells the story of Makamba Ekong, a woman shaped by poverty, ambition, and the instinct to survive. From an early age, she learns two harsh truths: poverty is a curse, and survival demands relentless determination.
What makes this story truly compelling is not just Makamba’s rise, but the scars beneath her success.
Her journey is filled with hardship, sacrifice, and difficult choices, yet her resilience remains unwavering. I especially loved the focus on her university years watching her push through overwhelming odds while forming friendships that blossomed into true sisterhood was both inspiring and deeply emotional.
Cynthia Tasha Osajibenedict delivers a raw, heartfelt, and moving story that thoughtfully explores love, womanhood, and self-reckoning.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
What makes this story truly compelling is not just Makamba’s rise, but the scars beneath her success.
Her journey is filled with hardship, sacrifice, and difficult choices, yet her resilience remains unwavering. I especially loved the focus on her university years watching her push through overwhelming odds while forming friendships that blossomed into true sisterhood was both inspiring and deeply emotional.
Cynthia Tasha Osajibenedict delivers a raw, heartfelt, and moving story that thoughtfully explores love, womanhood, and self-reckoning.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scars after Harmattan was a great read.
It follows Makamba’s life right from childhood to adulthood, which is great as it helps you understand where she started from and why she made certain decisions.
I especially love her friendship with the girls. That was beautiful to read about.
The books also had some quotes at the beginning of every chapter. I always looked forward to see what quote the next chapter would bring. That made the book even more enjoyable for me.
Overall, I’d rate this a 4/5 and I definitely recommend reading this book!
Thank you Cynthia Osajibenedict
It follows Makamba’s life right from childhood to adulthood, which is great as it helps you understand where she started from and why she made certain decisions.
I especially love her friendship with the girls. That was beautiful to read about.
The books also had some quotes at the beginning of every chapter. I always looked forward to see what quote the next chapter would bring. That made the book even more enjoyable for me.
Overall, I’d rate this a 4/5 and I definitely recommend reading this book!
Thank you Cynthia Osajibenedict
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scars After Harmattan by Cynthia Osajibenedict is a fun, easy-to-understand, and captivating story of love, power of friendship—especially among women, resilience and dedication.
This was my first read of the year, and it truly put me in the mood for more reading. For anyone looking for an amazing book to kick-start their reading journey, I highly recommend this one. 📚✨
Thank you Cynthia Osajibenedict for this beautiful book😘
This was my first read of the year, and it truly put me in the mood for more reading. For anyone looking for an amazing book to kick-start their reading journey, I highly recommend this one. 📚✨
Thank you Cynthia Osajibenedict for this beautiful book😘
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January 12, 2026A beautiful story on trauma, relationships, and the power of supportive female friendships. This is my first book by Cynthia Tasha Osajibenedict, and I absolutely love her writing style with witty epithets, vivid imagery, evocative prose, similes, and metaphors.
Scars After Harmattan is raw, unapologetic and unfiltered.
Scars After Harmattan is raw, unapologetic and unfiltered.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews