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When Love Takes Root
Celeste Coleman is a woman of faith with a green thumb, a guarded heart, and a life she’s learned to tend through grief. As a widowed mother and owner of Celestial Crowns Hair Haven, she’s mastered the art of nurturing what’s fragile, even as she learns to bloom through sorrow.
Josiah Brooks is a master electrician, trained boxer, and third-generation tradesman led by God and grounded in purpose. When he steps into Celeste’s salon for a repair job, he never expects the woman behind it to stir something in him he thought he had under control.
But love after loss can’t be rushed. As Celeste and Josiah grow closer, she must decide whether opening her heart again betrays the love she lost or proves God can still make something beautiful take root.
Josiah Brooks is a master electrician, trained boxer, and third-generation tradesman led by God and grounded in purpose. When he steps into Celeste’s salon for a repair job, he never expects the woman behind it to stir something in him he thought he had under control.
But love after loss can’t be rushed. As Celeste and Josiah grow closer, she must decide whether opening her heart again betrays the love she lost or proves God can still make something beautiful take root.
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 26, 2026
From start, their initial meeting was instant attraction and fire 🔥
I loved the author's use of metaphors and personification to describe certain feelings and things. Too cute and clever.
This story had me in all my feelings. It was such a beautiful raw story which dealt with so many emotions about love, happiness, to grief & how to handle it personally & with your kids. How to move forward and carve out your own happiness w/out forgetting the man you loved & the father of your children, to leaving room for new love.
I cried, laughed, screamed, and felt like the proud sister and auntie. The growth in both Celeste and Josiah's walk and how he moved in her life was nothing short of a testament, to what God will do if you asked of him.
Josiah was respectful of never being dismisive of her late husband nor was he trying to take the place of the kids' father. As he stated, "He was accepting her children not tolerating them. He wanted his own place in all of their lives." He acted with her permission only. He walked in her grief as well. Josiah asked God to lead him, them, and cover them. A patient man he was!
Zuri and Skye, her youngest two were hilarious with their investigated inquiries. Kayden, exhibited the most growth. He was able to tell his honest truth, which I think brought 360 degree turn in the story, plus the fact that her two babies sisters and best friend talked some sense into her. They had to remind her that Kaden was a child and needed to have a frank discussion with all her children.
Pop siah was present and deserving of his place. Celeste deserved someone to care about her well-being and love her right back. He loved her, the chaos, all the family. They were rooted in their own space.
I loved the author's use of metaphors and personification to describe certain feelings and things. Too cute and clever.
This story had me in all my feelings. It was such a beautiful raw story which dealt with so many emotions about love, happiness, to grief & how to handle it personally & with your kids. How to move forward and carve out your own happiness w/out forgetting the man you loved & the father of your children, to leaving room for new love.
I cried, laughed, screamed, and felt like the proud sister and auntie. The growth in both Celeste and Josiah's walk and how he moved in her life was nothing short of a testament, to what God will do if you asked of him.
Josiah was respectful of never being dismisive of her late husband nor was he trying to take the place of the kids' father. As he stated, "He was accepting her children not tolerating them. He wanted his own place in all of their lives." He acted with her permission only. He walked in her grief as well. Josiah asked God to lead him, them, and cover them. A patient man he was!
Zuri and Skye, her youngest two were hilarious with their investigated inquiries. Kayden, exhibited the most growth. He was able to tell his honest truth, which I think brought 360 degree turn in the story, plus the fact that her two babies sisters and best friend talked some sense into her. They had to remind her that Kaden was a child and needed to have a frank discussion with all her children.
Pop siah was present and deserving of his place. Celeste deserved someone to care about her well-being and love her right back. He loved her, the chaos, all the family. They were rooted in their own space.
October 22, 2026
When love takes root
This story left me feeling so full by the time I finished reading it. When I first started the book, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish because of how heavy the story started off with Celeste losing her husband so suddenly. That almost gutted me, but I was determined to keep reading in hopes that there would be sunshine sooner than later and I’m so glad and thankful that I continued reading.
The love that took root between Josiah and Celeste was beautiful. The was he covered her, her children and their relationship in prayer and reverence was a beautiful sight to see. He was intentional without being forceful. He allowed her to feel her grief while also making space and making her feel safe enough to express those emotions out loud. He showed her and her children that he wasn’t there to take the place of her husband and their father, but that he only wanted them to make room for him to love them and honor the roots that had already been planted before Jamal passed away. Josiah was also emotionally intelligent and sought God before making any decisions or allowing his ego to lead abc that made him the ultimate book bae and so sexy in my opinion. I loved how he allowed the children to express their grief and also reassure them that he wasn’t trying to take anyone’s place and only wanted to love them and their mother. I loved the comedic relief from the kids throughout the story as well. I really loved pretty much everything about this book and that I could feel all the emotions that the characters felt. This story gave me just what I needed and I loved the theme of “do it scared” that was present throughout the book.
If you love a second chance romance or a Christian adjacent romance (because there is a little cussing and a few tasteful love scenes) then this is the perfect story to dive into.
This story left me feeling so full by the time I finished reading it. When I first started the book, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish because of how heavy the story started off with Celeste losing her husband so suddenly. That almost gutted me, but I was determined to keep reading in hopes that there would be sunshine sooner than later and I’m so glad and thankful that I continued reading.
The love that took root between Josiah and Celeste was beautiful. The was he covered her, her children and their relationship in prayer and reverence was a beautiful sight to see. He was intentional without being forceful. He allowed her to feel her grief while also making space and making her feel safe enough to express those emotions out loud. He showed her and her children that he wasn’t there to take the place of her husband and their father, but that he only wanted them to make room for him to love them and honor the roots that had already been planted before Jamal passed away. Josiah was also emotionally intelligent and sought God before making any decisions or allowing his ego to lead abc that made him the ultimate book bae and so sexy in my opinion. I loved how he allowed the children to express their grief and also reassure them that he wasn’t trying to take anyone’s place and only wanted to love them and their mother. I loved the comedic relief from the kids throughout the story as well. I really loved pretty much everything about this book and that I could feel all the emotions that the characters felt. This story gave me just what I needed and I loved the theme of “do it scared” that was present throughout the book.
If you love a second chance romance or a Christian adjacent romance (because there is a little cussing and a few tasteful love scenes) then this is the perfect story to dive into.
October 1, 2026
Roots, spiritual!!!
Ahhhhmazzing!!! OMG!!! I read this in one day,because I couldn't it down!!! Spiritual, love, family and planting roots of pure love!!! This book deserves ten starrsss!!! Mature love, of two people who were destined to be one with each other. The prayers said in this book were priceless!!! the love that surrounded this family, the MC'*s: unbelievable! If you want drama, its not in this one! Nothing but love taking root with prayers and trusting God in their lives!!! One I would gladly read again!!! Meka, you are a gifted writer!!!!
Ahhhhmazzing!!! OMG!!! I read this in one day,because I couldn't it down!!! Spiritual, love, family and planting roots of pure love!!! This book deserves ten starrsss!!! Mature love, of two people who were destined to be one with each other. The prayers said in this book were priceless!!! the love that surrounded this family, the MC'*s: unbelievable! If you want drama, its not in this one! Nothing but love taking root with prayers and trusting God in their lives!!! One I would gladly read again!!! Meka, you are a gifted writer!!!!
October 7, 2026
Josiah and Celeste!!
Celeste lost her beloved husband which was hard on her and their children. Josiah and Celeste met when he comes to do some electrical work at her beauty salon. Josiah was intrigued from the beginning, but Celeste wasn't ready to move on yet. It took a lot of prayer for Celeste to decide to Josiah a chance, but it was worth it in the long run. This was a really beautiful story that I loved immensely from beginning to end. It was an emotional journey about faith, grief and giving love another chance.
Celeste lost her beloved husband which was hard on her and their children. Josiah and Celeste met when he comes to do some electrical work at her beauty salon. Josiah was intrigued from the beginning, but Celeste wasn't ready to move on yet. It took a lot of prayer for Celeste to decide to Josiah a chance, but it was worth it in the long run. This was a really beautiful story that I loved immensely from beginning to end. It was an emotional journey about faith, grief and giving love another chance.
September 24, 2026
Phenomenal Experience
If you’re looking for the sweet spot in a read this is the one. It completely filled my soul to read about his faithfulness grace being restored. A promise fulfilled. The tenderness shown with each topic and Skye was my favorite child of all. This about Family and God being at the center of it all. But bring your good tissue tea laughter joy and peace along this ride. P.S I’ll need a follow up on the C-Blacks Coalition ☺️😂
If you’re looking for the sweet spot in a read this is the one. It completely filled my soul to read about his faithfulness grace being restored. A promise fulfilled. The tenderness shown with each topic and Skye was my favorite child of all. This about Family and God being at the center of it all. But bring your good tissue tea laughter joy and peace along this ride. P.S I’ll need a follow up on the C-Blacks Coalition ☺️😂
September 1, 2026
Awesome Story
This was an awesome story. It is well written with great characters and character growth. It is emotional, relatable, and at times, very funny. The kids' characters were mostly funny. The story is about grieving, accepting love for a second time, family, over coming fear and patience. Thank you, Meka Evette, for this awesome story.
This was an awesome story. It is well written with great characters and character growth. It is emotional, relatable, and at times, very funny. The kids' characters were mostly funny. The story is about grieving, accepting love for a second time, family, over coming fear and patience. Thank you, Meka Evette, for this awesome story.
August 31, 2026
love is rooted
this book was absolutely amazing. an emotional rollercoster . be prepared to cry multiple times. the beauty in the book, the live the tenderness . i don’t want to spoil anything so all ima say is this is a must read and grab some tissues
this book was absolutely amazing. an emotional rollercoster . be prepared to cry multiple times. the beauty in the book, the live the tenderness . i don’t want to spoil anything so all ima say is this is a must read and grab some tissues
September 18, 2026
Roots and Branches
This was an enjoyable read; I laughed frequently and got teary-eyed at moments 🤭😆😁. It’s a touching story about patience, overcoming grief and fear, and embracing love.
This was an enjoyable read; I laughed frequently and got teary-eyed at moments 🤭😆😁. It’s a touching story about patience, overcoming grief and fear, and embracing love.
September 23, 2026
Beautiful Love Story
What a beautiful love story. This slow burn incorporated faith, how to navigate grief, and showed that healthy love is still possible after devastating loss.
What a beautiful love story. This slow burn incorporated faith, how to navigate grief, and showed that healthy love is still possible after devastating loss.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews