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In Black & White
Micah Winters always knew that she was different. It was the pigment of her skin and the texture of her hair that revealed that she was a woman from biracial parents. For five decades, Micah’s African American mother has remained silent about Micah’s estranged father (Sidney Irving). It is not until after Sidney Irving’s death that Micah learns that she is the daughter of the legendary novelist and screenwriter. Now with her mother’s memory fading away from Alzheimer’s disease, Micah can only rely on a novel that was written from her father years ago to understand her parents past during the time of segregation in the United States. Micah’s once simple life is not so simple anymore as she tries to make sense of an unfamiliar world as she inherits her father’s wealth and private past. With an abandoned heart, Micah must forgive the past in order to discover who she really is.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2016
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Lavender
2 books35 followersCatherine Lavender is an author of Contemporary Fiction. Her first novel Eighty-Eight Keys was published in 2013 by Whimsical Publications, and in 2016 Catherine’s second novel In Black & White was published by Chamomile Books. Literary Critics continue to admire the published works of this emerging author.
"Such compelling writing and dialog forces readers onto a tumultuous emotional roller coaster..."
- The US Review of Books on In Black & White
"This is a well-constructed novel, rich with human emotions, authentic conflicts, and genuine, real-life characters who will remain in readers’ minds for a long time. Highly recommended!"
- The Columbia Review of Books & Film on In Black & White
"Such compelling writing and dialog forces readers onto a tumultuous emotional roller coaster..."
- The US Review of Books on In Black & White
"This is a well-constructed novel, rich with human emotions, authentic conflicts, and genuine, real-life characters who will remain in readers’ minds for a long time. Highly recommended!"
- The Columbia Review of Books & Film on In Black & White
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 20, 2018
This book follows Micah who is trying to figure out who she is based on the past and her father. Micah did not know her father and wants to know more about him.
The author did a great job keeping with the realness of the time period in which parts of the story is told. The major issue of race is well displayed in this book and the author takes her time to really showcase it. The author kept the book engaging and I couldn't put it down.
Micah has recently opened her own bakery that she is working hard on making a success. During this time her biological father that she didn't know passes away. She is contacted by a lawyer and she learns the identity of her biological father. Everything happens pretty quickly in the book once Micah learns her father's identity. Micah has a lot of decisions to make as well as figure out who she can trust.
Micah goes out searching to figure out what happened between her father and mother during there time together. Since Micah's mother has Alzheimer's she is not able to shed light on what happened. It is interesting to watch as Micah pieces the story together of her parents and learns exactly what happened. I loved the clues that all came together into one big picture.
The story takes a lot of twists and turns and it is a very interesting read. The idea of race is very prevalent in the story and the author does a great job to show what happened in the past and how it effected the future.
I would suggest this as a nighttime read. I did find portions of the book hard to put down and very gripping, but there were sections that were easy to stop at. Also, this book does give you a lot to think about so it was nice to take a break and sort out my thoughts.
I received a copy of this book from My Addiction is Reading to provide an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book.
The author did a great job keeping with the realness of the time period in which parts of the story is told. The major issue of race is well displayed in this book and the author takes her time to really showcase it. The author kept the book engaging and I couldn't put it down.
Micah has recently opened her own bakery that she is working hard on making a success. During this time her biological father that she didn't know passes away. She is contacted by a lawyer and she learns the identity of her biological father. Everything happens pretty quickly in the book once Micah learns her father's identity. Micah has a lot of decisions to make as well as figure out who she can trust.
Micah goes out searching to figure out what happened between her father and mother during there time together. Since Micah's mother has Alzheimer's she is not able to shed light on what happened. It is interesting to watch as Micah pieces the story together of her parents and learns exactly what happened. I loved the clues that all came together into one big picture.
The story takes a lot of twists and turns and it is a very interesting read. The idea of race is very prevalent in the story and the author does a great job to show what happened in the past and how it effected the future.
I would suggest this as a nighttime read. I did find portions of the book hard to put down and very gripping, but there were sections that were easy to stop at. Also, this book does give you a lot to think about so it was nice to take a break and sort out my thoughts.
I received a copy of this book from My Addiction is Reading to provide an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book.
April 24, 2017
Micah Winters never knew anything about her biological father other than due to the pigment of her skin, he had to be white. Her African American mother, Loretta, would never talk about him. With Loretta now suffering from Alzheimers, Micah has come to accept that she will never truly understand her mother and father's past. Micah receives the shock of a lifetime when she finds out not only has her father passed away but was a famous writer and left his estate to her in his will. With the help of her father's most famous novel, she is able to piece together the reasons why her parents were unable to live their lives together.
Overall, I enjoyed the story line. I liked that the author chose to go down the less traveled path of biracial couples and went with a white male/African-American female couple. It was refreshing to see that combo because it usually isn't represented much in novels. I liked that despite Micah achieving many things in life including graduating college and owning a bakery, there was still this desire to know where she came from.
I did have some problems with the ending. Without spoiling it, I will say that I thought the climax was a bit weak and unbelievable. And I thought that despite earlier events in the book, there was no real resolution with one of the characters.
My biggest problem with the book was the amount of spelling and grammatical errors. By the end of the book, I was wondering did anyone ever proofread this? It's disappointing to read other reviewers discuss this same issue. The fact that nothing appears to have been corrected in the year since it was first published, is mind-boggling. It's a shame because the errors really detract from what is a pretty good story.
Overall, I enjoyed the story line. I liked that the author chose to go down the less traveled path of biracial couples and went with a white male/African-American female couple. It was refreshing to see that combo because it usually isn't represented much in novels. I liked that despite Micah achieving many things in life including graduating college and owning a bakery, there was still this desire to know where she came from.
I did have some problems with the ending. Without spoiling it, I will say that I thought the climax was a bit weak and unbelievable. And I thought that despite earlier events in the book, there was no real resolution with one of the characters.
My biggest problem with the book was the amount of spelling and grammatical errors. By the end of the book, I was wondering did anyone ever proofread this? It's disappointing to read other reviewers discuss this same issue. The fact that nothing appears to have been corrected in the year since it was first published, is mind-boggling. It's a shame because the errors really detract from what is a pretty good story.
May 16, 2017
If this little story don't bring a couple tears to your eyes I don't know what will.
A estranged wife to be, a rich privileged man, a daughter who grew up without but known she was loved by what she had.
Micah Winters knew she was different from other children around her. It wasn't just the hair on her head, but the color of her skin. Being called names throughout her childhood never helped the burden she carried. She always wanted to know about her father. But her mother refused to talk about him. Now fast forward to the present time. She has a thriving bakery of her own and is doing good. Her mother is in a nursing home with Alzheimer's, but she stops by regularly to check in and visit. It was just like any other day at the bakery, until she gets a phone call about her father's passing from his lawyer. Now she is saddled with a failing property where her bakery is, an estate that she inherited and a bunch of other problems. Not to mention who is Sidney Irving besides her father?
A estranged wife to be, a rich privileged man, a daughter who grew up without but known she was loved by what she had.
Micah Winters knew she was different from other children around her. It wasn't just the hair on her head, but the color of her skin. Being called names throughout her childhood never helped the burden she carried. She always wanted to know about her father. But her mother refused to talk about him. Now fast forward to the present time. She has a thriving bakery of her own and is doing good. Her mother is in a nursing home with Alzheimer's, but she stops by regularly to check in and visit. It was just like any other day at the bakery, until she gets a phone call about her father's passing from his lawyer. Now she is saddled with a failing property where her bakery is, an estate that she inherited and a bunch of other problems. Not to mention who is Sidney Irving besides her father?
August 22, 2016
Micah was raised by her African-American mother and step-father, but the color of her skin makes it obvious that she was the product of an interracial relationship. Now, at fifty years of age, after living her whole life knowing nothing about her biological father, Micah suddenly finds herself the heir to his estate that he built for himself as a famous author. Then Micah has much more to discover about her parents and the secret romance she never knew about.
I love how the romance of this book is actually more focused on Micah's mother, who now has Alzheimer's and is totally unaware of what Micah is learning. It's like a bit of historical fiction comes through as Micah learns about the romance that lead to her birth. It was quite a beautiful and heart-warming story that brings to light the problems with racial segregation of that era. The fact that this book takes place in Baltimore made the think of the musical Hairspray, as well, so I couldn't help imagining flashback scenes as colorful musical numbers despite the seriousness of the topics.
While the story itself is beautiful, the writing could use some polishing and editing to clean up the numerous punctuation and spelling errors. Characters names were sometimes spelled wrong/differently; for example, Ruddy or Rudy (I'm not sure what the character's name was actually supposed to be), and Michael for Michel. Poor editing (or a total lack of editing?) really lowered the overall quality of the book and just made it much less enjoyable for me. Otherwise, I really would have loved this story.
I love how the romance of this book is actually more focused on Micah's mother, who now has Alzheimer's and is totally unaware of what Micah is learning. It's like a bit of historical fiction comes through as Micah learns about the romance that lead to her birth. It was quite a beautiful and heart-warming story that brings to light the problems with racial segregation of that era. The fact that this book takes place in Baltimore made the think of the musical Hairspray, as well, so I couldn't help imagining flashback scenes as colorful musical numbers despite the seriousness of the topics.
While the story itself is beautiful, the writing could use some polishing and editing to clean up the numerous punctuation and spelling errors. Characters names were sometimes spelled wrong/differently; for example, Ruddy or Rudy (I'm not sure what the character's name was actually supposed to be), and Michael for Michel. Poor editing (or a total lack of editing?) really lowered the overall quality of the book and just made it much less enjoyable for me. Otherwise, I really would have loved this story.
June 20, 2017
BOOK REVIEW: IN BLACK AND WHITE BY CATHERINE LAVENDER.
What can I say about this story……..
AMAZING BOOK SHOULD BE A BEST SELLER
The author has a creative way of bringing her messages across in this fiction. There is true love that even through separation not caused by themselves but by the bigotry and ignorance of those around them their love continues even in death.
This book addresses a few issues that those of America faced over time, especially in the 60’s when a white man could not love a dark woman, the segregation of both cultures, the lack of cultural diversity and the need to see colour instead of a person’s soul, through laws of the time and the people themselves prevented these two lost souls from being with their one true love and the amass of people and against their union or what their love had created together. Leaving all three lives in complete and missing something of importance to all.
The book also looks at women’s lib of the 70’s and how women should give up the housewife image and stand strong and independent but what was the sacrifice they had to make and the long-term effects this has had on one woman. Micah.
Micah was conceived out of true love between her white father Sidney and her dark mother Loretta. Micah never knew her real father was until he died always believing he had abandoned her and her mother, never fitting in anywhere because she was of a mixed race. All drove Micah to a career driven woman on a mission to succussed in her life, but it was lacking, love she could never really commit to a relationship.
Micah discovers apron Sidney’s death that she is sole benefactor of his estate and his estranged daughter. In the beginning Micah feels nothing but resentment towards this man that is her father. Micah through events and reading Sidney’s first novel realised that her father didn’t abandon her and that he loved her mother till the day he died. While at the same time Micah starts to have strong feelings for Nathan the estates maintenance guy and close friend of Sidney’s.
This book is not a simple romance book, it is more a self-discovery for Micah as she unearths the truth about her parents. There are more sub plots, twists and turns that you don’t expect even attempt of murder from the least likely suspects, even though they are right in your face, Micah must face to uncover the truth about why her parents were never together when it was clear they loved each other.
Who you expect to be the villain turns out to be a friend in disguise for Micah in the long run. This book is thriving with mystery and you get to enjoy a little bit of romance with a whole lot of discovery not just about Micah’s parents but also herself, how she can be a successful business woman and have love.
I strongly suggest this book for anyone that is looking for something a little different from the typical hot steamy romance (that is not this book). But if you want something that touches on the tragedy of the cultural times that I am sure is still faced by so many around the world today then this is your book. It has just about everything you could possibly want in a book. Its light, entertaining but also sucks you right in from the very beginning and you don’t want to put it down.
Bronwyn
What can I say about this story……..
AMAZING BOOK SHOULD BE A BEST SELLER
The author has a creative way of bringing her messages across in this fiction. There is true love that even through separation not caused by themselves but by the bigotry and ignorance of those around them their love continues even in death.
This book addresses a few issues that those of America faced over time, especially in the 60’s when a white man could not love a dark woman, the segregation of both cultures, the lack of cultural diversity and the need to see colour instead of a person’s soul, through laws of the time and the people themselves prevented these two lost souls from being with their one true love and the amass of people and against their union or what their love had created together. Leaving all three lives in complete and missing something of importance to all.
The book also looks at women’s lib of the 70’s and how women should give up the housewife image and stand strong and independent but what was the sacrifice they had to make and the long-term effects this has had on one woman. Micah.
Micah was conceived out of true love between her white father Sidney and her dark mother Loretta. Micah never knew her real father was until he died always believing he had abandoned her and her mother, never fitting in anywhere because she was of a mixed race. All drove Micah to a career driven woman on a mission to succussed in her life, but it was lacking, love she could never really commit to a relationship.
Micah discovers apron Sidney’s death that she is sole benefactor of his estate and his estranged daughter. In the beginning Micah feels nothing but resentment towards this man that is her father. Micah through events and reading Sidney’s first novel realised that her father didn’t abandon her and that he loved her mother till the day he died. While at the same time Micah starts to have strong feelings for Nathan the estates maintenance guy and close friend of Sidney’s.
This book is not a simple romance book, it is more a self-discovery for Micah as she unearths the truth about her parents. There are more sub plots, twists and turns that you don’t expect even attempt of murder from the least likely suspects, even though they are right in your face, Micah must face to uncover the truth about why her parents were never together when it was clear they loved each other.
Who you expect to be the villain turns out to be a friend in disguise for Micah in the long run. This book is thriving with mystery and you get to enjoy a little bit of romance with a whole lot of discovery not just about Micah’s parents but also herself, how she can be a successful business woman and have love.
I strongly suggest this book for anyone that is looking for something a little different from the typical hot steamy romance (that is not this book). But if you want something that touches on the tragedy of the cultural times that I am sure is still faced by so many around the world today then this is your book. It has just about everything you could possibly want in a book. Its light, entertaining but also sucks you right in from the very beginning and you don’t want to put it down.
Bronwyn
February 6, 2017
Micah finds herself in a strange spot. Knowing her is a product of an interracial relationship even though she was raised by her black parents and never knowing her biological father...it comes as a shock that she inherits his estate. On top of this, her mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer. The story here is uniquely different in the sense that it not only tells Micah's story to her birth, but shares the romance of her mother that led to Micah. The characterizations are well written and captivating. However, this story also takes you to a time where interracial relationships and the pigment of your skin was not so welcoming. This facet of the story hurts your heart for two of the characters in the book that can't stay together because of their skin color and cannot show their love for one another because of their skin color. I found myself torn at times, irritated, and upset at times during this story. But it is also a good reminder of where this country was at one point and a reminder as to why we are no longer there and do not want to go back to that. Lastly, I thought it was very cool how the author used Micah's father's novel to help her understand her parents relationship.
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
February 3, 2026
In Black & White is a thoughtful and emotionally layered novel that explores identity, race, and the long shadows cast by silence. Catherine Lavender tells Micah Winters’ story with sensitivity and depth, capturing the quiet ache of growing up between worlds without answers.
The revelation of Micah’s parentage as the daughter of a celebrated novelist reframes her entire life, forcing her to confront both privilege and pain. The novel beautifully examines how history, segregation, and personal secrecy shape generations, particularly when truth is withheld in the name of protection.
What makes In Black & White especially compelling is its use of memory and storytelling as tools for healing. As Micah pieces together her parents’ past through her father’s writing and her mother’s fading recollections, the novel becomes a powerful meditation on forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the courage required to reclaim one’s full identity.
The revelation of Micah’s parentage as the daughter of a celebrated novelist reframes her entire life, forcing her to confront both privilege and pain. The novel beautifully examines how history, segregation, and personal secrecy shape generations, particularly when truth is withheld in the name of protection.
What makes In Black & White especially compelling is its use of memory and storytelling as tools for healing. As Micah pieces together her parents’ past through her father’s writing and her mother’s fading recollections, the novel becomes a powerful meditation on forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the courage required to reclaim one’s full identity.
June 8, 2017
I got an e-copy of this book thanks to the author, publisher through Chiclit, in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. A love story that due to societal issues couldn't blossom. The story begins with a child who is biracial and doesn't feel she fits in anywhere. A child not knowing who her biological father was. Then it moves several years forward where she is a 50 year old women. An independent, successful business owner. She is sought out by her biological father's attorney, which brings her confusion, yet clarification of why her father was never in her life.
There was no build up towards the love affair, which took away a star rating.
I enjoyed this book. A love story that due to societal issues couldn't blossom. The story begins with a child who is biracial and doesn't feel she fits in anywhere. A child not knowing who her biological father was. Then it moves several years forward where she is a 50 year old women. An independent, successful business owner. She is sought out by her biological father's attorney, which brings her confusion, yet clarification of why her father was never in her life.
There was no build up towards the love affair, which took away a star rating.
July 3, 2017
This is a love story in which the characters definitely go through their ups and downs. The highs are high and the lows are low. It is a story that comes off the page and translates to real life, the situations are believable and the emotions the author creates are valid.
I loved the addition of the Mystery, I think it really helped to balance the novel and give it an extra layer.
The romance is just that, romantic. It't not hott and sexy, its sweet and pure. I enjoyed that break from the typical novels I read where its insta chemistry and a focus on sex.
Overall a great romantic escape.
I loved the addition of the Mystery, I think it really helped to balance the novel and give it an extra layer.
The romance is just that, romantic. It't not hott and sexy, its sweet and pure. I enjoyed that break from the typical novels I read where its insta chemistry and a focus on sex.
Overall a great romantic escape.
July 9, 2017
The story really grabs the readers attention from the get-go. Catherine Lavender does a great job being descriptive and allowing the reader to feel like they are immersed in the world and time.
I was surprised at how fresh and how many surprises there were in this story. What a wonderful job of keeping the reader invested in the series and its characters!
Characterization is key in any novel and I felt like Micah was a great main character with real problems that the reader can relate to. She was easy to get behind and root for through the novel.
A nice romantic treat for Romance fans.
I was surprised at how fresh and how many surprises there were in this story. What a wonderful job of keeping the reader invested in the series and its characters!
Characterization is key in any novel and I felt like Micah was a great main character with real problems that the reader can relate to. She was easy to get behind and root for through the novel.
A nice romantic treat for Romance fans.
July 16, 2017
This book was really quite emotional, and easy to be drawn to. Micah only learns about her biological father after his death, and begins to understand piece by piece why her biracial parents were never together during a very different time in the country. It was really quite heart-breaking to learn of their story and why they had to live apart, and how much Sidney loved his daughter from afar. The writing was really good in the story but the editing could have been given a boost, and sometimes the dialogue was slightly distracting, but many interesting plot points are in here and it was a very good read overall.
I received a review copy
I received a review copy
July 17, 2017
This book was very touching and emotion evoking. Through the story of Micah learning about her biological father and the overwhelming gift he left her, Lavendar reminds us about the complexities of human relationships and how so many factors play into their success or failure. This book struck home as my own grandfather abandoned my mother and did not reach out to her until later in life. That kind of gesture can be both wonderful and devastating and I think that Micah's experience consisted of both feelings. I really enjoyed the writing style of this novel. Although it was an emotional story, I felt that the words flowed really well making it easier to read.
July 22, 2017
I strongly suggest this book for anyone that is looking for something a little different from the typical hot steamy romance (that is not this book). But if you want something that touches on the tragedy of the cultural times that I am sure is still faced by so many around the world today then this is your book. It has just about everything you could possibly want in a book. Its light, entertaining but also sucks you right in from the very beginning and you don’t want to put it down.
Read our full review at the link below
https://cloemichaelsreads.wordpress.c...
CMR
Read our full review at the link below
https://cloemichaelsreads.wordpress.c...
CMR
June 10, 2017
In Black & White
By Catherine Lavender
Reviewed by Jaime Kurp
Micah had just learned who her father was after 50 years of wondering. Now her world has been turned upside down. She has an estate that she is not sure what to do with it. She owns her bakery that is now having trouble with the building that she rents. Can she sell the estate and make her bakery grow or keep it? She is angry that after all these years her father wouldn’t want to meet her. She wanted answers, but who would have them now. This the journey that Micah needs to go on to find out who she is.
By Catherine Lavender
Reviewed by Jaime Kurp
Micah had just learned who her father was after 50 years of wondering. Now her world has been turned upside down. She has an estate that she is not sure what to do with it. She owns her bakery that is now having trouble with the building that she rents. Can she sell the estate and make her bakery grow or keep it? She is angry that after all these years her father wouldn’t want to meet her. She wanted answers, but who would have them now. This the journey that Micah needs to go on to find out who she is.
December 11, 2017
In Black & White by Catherine Lavender is a great read. I enjoyed it. It was easy for me to identify with. It reminded me of how far we have come and how far we have yet to go when it comes to issues of race in our day and age. I thought the romance between Micah's parents was sweet. I liked how they fell in love despite what the norm was in their day...I didn't like the outcome of their doomed relationship. There are some despicable characters that you love to hate and then there were some questionable ones as well. Overall the story was enjoyable and I would recommend it to others.
June 23, 2017
I had such good hopes for this story. Unfortunately the author goes back and forth in 1st and 3rd voices so many times it threw me out of the story I lost count of how much. The premise is good, and the overall story and what it was about was good. It read more like a "screenplay". Again, it is a good story, I just can't give 4 or 5 stars to something with a lack of editing and just plain proofreading.
July 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this story especially the ending. I didn't like where I felt the tense that the book was written in changed on me a couple of times, and some mistakes that I had found. I read an early copy of this book though so they might have been fixed. I liked watching Micah deal with her problems and how they came about and how they all played out and/or how she fixed them.
Thanks to Chick Lit Plus for the copy to read. I reviewed this book with no compensation.
Thanks to Chick Lit Plus for the copy to read. I reviewed this book with no compensation.
July 9, 2017
I enjoyed the characters immensely. I felt like the Romance was well balanced because of their respective personalities.
I liked that Catherine Lavender does not shy away from real topics. She takes the issues head on and brings them to life for the reader.
This is an emotional novel. There are ups and downs for these characters individually and as a couple. You will find yourself right in the rollercoaster of emotions with them.
I liked that Catherine Lavender does not shy away from real topics. She takes the issues head on and brings them to life for the reader.
This is an emotional novel. There are ups and downs for these characters individually and as a couple. You will find yourself right in the rollercoaster of emotions with them.
February 9, 2017
This was an emotional read. The characters were all deep and multi-dimensional. The did not feel flat, but rather like 3D interpretations. Their actions and emotions leaped off the pages. I really felt a connection with them. These seemed like real college students going through actual real life problems.
July 13, 2017
The characters in this novel are pretty fleshed out; Brent Jacobs appears to have quite a bit of charm to him, Micah Winters seemed to have slight abandonment issues; whereas I most certainly didn't like Sidney Irving's sister, Gloria. If you like an easygoing book, you'll enjoy this one. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2017
This started off as a compelling story but ended in a weak, somewhat unresolved and vaguely implausible way. Could have been a great story, but seems to have missed some critical editing and proofreading. Found it difficult to persevere past the half way mark as the grammatical inconsistencies really marred the narrative flow.
July 2, 2017
This was an emotional and interesting read. It hit on so many different feelings and things that have and are happening.. it was beautifully written and the characters were heartwrenching. very good story and im glad i got to review it
July 24, 2017
Good read. Very engaging and thought provoking. Interesting characters. Good story flow. Very emotional ride for the characters. Hard to put down. Would recommend reading. I voluntarily review this book.
March 8, 2017
In Black & White is a very heartrending novel that touches the taboo of African Americans marrying Caucasians decades ago. It didn’t’ only affect the couple but their children were often recognized as being different, bullied, or just ignored.
Micah assumed that since her father was the white parent that he abandoned her and her mother. After her father’s death, Micah begins to learn the full extent of what took place with her parents. Was she just in her bitterness for being forgotten by a famous father that she didn’t even know existed?
I found this book well written. The author, Catherine Lavender, keeps us guessing if the lawyer is as honest as he appears, if the investor is sincerely interested in Micah, or just wanting to close the deal. And what secrets could Nathan hold and why is he treated with contempt by Kris? Who were her father’s true friends at the end of his life?
Micah assumed that since her father was the white parent that he abandoned her and her mother. After her father’s death, Micah begins to learn the full extent of what took place with her parents. Was she just in her bitterness for being forgotten by a famous father that she didn’t even know existed?
I found this book well written. The author, Catherine Lavender, keeps us guessing if the lawyer is as honest as he appears, if the investor is sincerely interested in Micah, or just wanting to close the deal. And what secrets could Nathan hold and why is he treated with contempt by Kris? Who were her father’s true friends at the end of his life?
February 3, 2017
"Like a broken string of pearls. All the pieces are there, but it still doesn't come together."
My Impressions: Love the sepia cover art. Evokes a nostalgic feeling even before I read the first page. The book itself is a mesh of women’s fiction and romance. Two very compatible genres. There’s a dash of mystery as well.
The Romance Angle: Nice try, but something’s missing. I like the idea of Micah and Nathan, but the reality fell a little flat. I mean, they are likable characters���but rather contrived and not as deep as they could have been…In the same way that Lisa and Michel are flat and unreal…and Loretta and Sidney as well. Here we have three different echoes of the same love story and neither of them resonated with me very much. All three couples had potential, but I never felt the love or the emotion behind any of these pairings. I know they are in love only because the author tells me they are. I don’t feel the angst. There is no atmosphere to any of it. It just *is* because the words say it is.
The Real Lowdown: That being said…The mystery angle works better, I think. I was quite curious to know what had gone down with Sidney and Loretta…how the break-up came about. Who left who and why. It drove the plot and kept me reading. Also, I found myself wondering more about some of the supporting characters than the main two. Brent…Carter, Kris and Gloria. Their actions and motivations, while not that difficult to decipher, added a level of complexity to Micah’s relationship with Nathan, her business decisions and even her feelings about her past and her father that created a mounting tension that propelled the storyline forward. But I felt like Micah was a tad too trusting…I mean, she’s in her late 40s early 50s, college-educated, an experienced business woman in two fields, and yet she's socially gullible and not very money savvy. Which would make sense if she were younger and less experienced. But at her age and stage in life, it’s odd. I mean, she claims she has to sell the estate so she can afford to solve the problems at the bakery. Inheritance money drops in her lap and she haven't even read the will completely or gotten her own lawyer to look at it? She doesn’t bother to check on how much the royalty payments from the book would be or their frequency. She doesn’t shop around for the best buyer for the estate, she just goes with the one Kris has already lined up…whom she admits is a bit of a shark. Even Kris tells her she can probably get more money. She’s written as a savvy independent business woman, but she makes lazy, uninformed business decisions. Not to mention, she's running a bakery out of a building that has wiring which is literally dangling by a string. Doesn’t jive.
Minor Beefs:
There are quite a few awkward turns of phrase scattered throughout the book. Its distracting and impedes the flow of the prose. It happens often enough to make me wonder if the author is a native English speaker. For example,”Erase the slate clean” and “Get easily influenced” as opposed to the more smooth “wipe the slate clean” and “Be easily influenced.” Odd.
There's too much usage of ‘had’. Ex. “What if it had been her mother who had made the final decision?” There are at least 2 ‘hads’ in almost every sentence. There's very little verb variety, just in general. Most sentences use ‘was/were’ or ‘have/had’. The repetition becomes grating after a while.
Also, there's some past-tense/present-tense confusion. The verb tense literally swings back and forth between past and present, often from one sentence to the next and sometimes within the same sentence. Again, prompting me to wonder if the author is a native English speaker.
Lastly, there is a tendency for the book to over-explain things. Character motivations and actions...etc. I think it would have been more powerful and thought-provoking to just hint at some motivations. Most of them are easy enough to figure out.
Random Thoughts: Alas...a good premise, but the execution is sloppy.
Cliffhanger: Naw.
The Verdict: Honorable mention. The romance needs more emotional depth. The character of Micah should have a sharper business sense or should be written younger and less-experienced. Nathan needs more of a personality. Ultimately, I liked the idea of the book more than the book itself.
My Impressions: Love the sepia cover art. Evokes a nostalgic feeling even before I read the first page. The book itself is a mesh of women’s fiction and romance. Two very compatible genres. There’s a dash of mystery as well.
The Romance Angle: Nice try, but something’s missing. I like the idea of Micah and Nathan, but the reality fell a little flat. I mean, they are likable characters���but rather contrived and not as deep as they could have been…In the same way that Lisa and Michel are flat and unreal…and Loretta and Sidney as well. Here we have three different echoes of the same love story and neither of them resonated with me very much. All three couples had potential, but I never felt the love or the emotion behind any of these pairings. I know they are in love only because the author tells me they are. I don’t feel the angst. There is no atmosphere to any of it. It just *is* because the words say it is.
The Real Lowdown: That being said…The mystery angle works better, I think. I was quite curious to know what had gone down with Sidney and Loretta…how the break-up came about. Who left who and why. It drove the plot and kept me reading. Also, I found myself wondering more about some of the supporting characters than the main two. Brent…Carter, Kris and Gloria. Their actions and motivations, while not that difficult to decipher, added a level of complexity to Micah’s relationship with Nathan, her business decisions and even her feelings about her past and her father that created a mounting tension that propelled the storyline forward. But I felt like Micah was a tad too trusting…I mean, she’s in her late 40s early 50s, college-educated, an experienced business woman in two fields, and yet she's socially gullible and not very money savvy. Which would make sense if she were younger and less experienced. But at her age and stage in life, it’s odd. I mean, she claims she has to sell the estate so she can afford to solve the problems at the bakery. Inheritance money drops in her lap and she haven't even read the will completely or gotten her own lawyer to look at it? She doesn’t bother to check on how much the royalty payments from the book would be or their frequency. She doesn’t shop around for the best buyer for the estate, she just goes with the one Kris has already lined up…whom she admits is a bit of a shark. Even Kris tells her she can probably get more money. She’s written as a savvy independent business woman, but she makes lazy, uninformed business decisions. Not to mention, she's running a bakery out of a building that has wiring which is literally dangling by a string. Doesn’t jive.
Minor Beefs:
There are quite a few awkward turns of phrase scattered throughout the book. Its distracting and impedes the flow of the prose. It happens often enough to make me wonder if the author is a native English speaker. For example,”Erase the slate clean” and “Get easily influenced” as opposed to the more smooth “wipe the slate clean” and “Be easily influenced.” Odd.
There's too much usage of ‘had’. Ex. “What if it had been her mother who had made the final decision?” There are at least 2 ‘hads’ in almost every sentence. There's very little verb variety, just in general. Most sentences use ‘was/were’ or ‘have/had’. The repetition becomes grating after a while.
Also, there's some past-tense/present-tense confusion. The verb tense literally swings back and forth between past and present, often from one sentence to the next and sometimes within the same sentence. Again, prompting me to wonder if the author is a native English speaker.
Lastly, there is a tendency for the book to over-explain things. Character motivations and actions...etc. I think it would have been more powerful and thought-provoking to just hint at some motivations. Most of them are easy enough to figure out.
Random Thoughts: Alas...a good premise, but the execution is sloppy.
Cliffhanger: Naw.
The Verdict: Honorable mention. The romance needs more emotional depth. The character of Micah should have a sharper business sense or should be written younger and less-experienced. Nathan needs more of a personality. Ultimately, I liked the idea of the book more than the book itself.
December 19, 2016
'Do you have anything to say to the people who planned to kill you?’
Florida author Catherine Lavender, originally form Baltimore, Maryland, offers her second novel IN BLACK & WHITE, her debut novel in 2013 was EIGHTY-EIGHT KEYS. Catherine is a humanist as well as a writer – she is an animal activist, supports First Book – an organization that supplies literature for underprivileged children, and commits time to exploring classical literature and music; she play the acoustic guitar.
This beautiful young lady has tackled many aspects of irregularities and injustices – race, bigotry, mixed racial marriages, wealth and its bifurcated manifestations, mental disorders, etc - in her short novel that makes her story an important one for all readers, especially at this time. The particularly genteel aspect with which she addresses the issues of her novel indicates a writer with a poignant sensitivity.
In her Prologue she establishes the primary conflict of the story – ‘Micah, at a tender age of ten, knew that she was different than the other kids. It was the texture of her hair, the light color of her almond- shaped eyes, and the honey pigmentation of her skin that made her stand out from everyone else. While her younger sister Valerie and the other neighborhood kids had darker skin, Micah secretly prayed each night that her skin too would become dark.’
The synopsis Catherine provides distills the story well – ‘Micah Winters always knew that she was different. It was the pigment of her skin and the texture of her hair that revealed that she was a woman from biracial parents. For five decades, Micah’s African American mother has remained silent about Micah’s estranged father (Sidney Irving). It is not until after Sidney Irving’s death that Micah learns that she is the daughter of the legendary novelist and screenwriter. Now with her mother’s memory fading away from Alzheimer’s disease, Micah can only rely on a novel that was written from her father years ago to understand her parents past during the time of segregation in the United States. Micah’s once simple life is not so simple anymore as she tries to make sense of an unfamiliar world as she inherits her father’s wealth and private past. With an abandoned heart, Micah must forgive the past in order to discover who she really is.
Though there are no twists or surprises in this book, when compared to novels dependent on shocking the reader, The credo of the book (and of Catherine’s humanistic glow) is absorbed form the following passage: “Life has been interesting. I am the child of a white father and an African-American mother. They were separated before my birth by a community that embraced ideas of prejudice and hate. The ignorance of others cost them a lifetime of happiness together. They couldn’t live or raise their only child as a family because society didn’t allow them to do so. An injustice like that makes me angry. It makes me question our values and ethics. I often wonder what is more powerful; love or forgiveness. And through my parents, I have learnt that it is both. Love is forgiveness. Today, I’m no longer Sidney Irving’s estranged daughter, but his only daughter, who not only cherishes the man that he was but the man whom he wanted to be. Regardless of the color of my skin, or what others may think of me, there will always be a piece of Sidney Irving with me. He lives on in me.”
A worthy, sensitive book by an author of significance.
Florida author Catherine Lavender, originally form Baltimore, Maryland, offers her second novel IN BLACK & WHITE, her debut novel in 2013 was EIGHTY-EIGHT KEYS. Catherine is a humanist as well as a writer – she is an animal activist, supports First Book – an organization that supplies literature for underprivileged children, and commits time to exploring classical literature and music; she play the acoustic guitar.
This beautiful young lady has tackled many aspects of irregularities and injustices – race, bigotry, mixed racial marriages, wealth and its bifurcated manifestations, mental disorders, etc - in her short novel that makes her story an important one for all readers, especially at this time. The particularly genteel aspect with which she addresses the issues of her novel indicates a writer with a poignant sensitivity.
In her Prologue she establishes the primary conflict of the story – ‘Micah, at a tender age of ten, knew that she was different than the other kids. It was the texture of her hair, the light color of her almond- shaped eyes, and the honey pigmentation of her skin that made her stand out from everyone else. While her younger sister Valerie and the other neighborhood kids had darker skin, Micah secretly prayed each night that her skin too would become dark.’
The synopsis Catherine provides distills the story well – ‘Micah Winters always knew that she was different. It was the pigment of her skin and the texture of her hair that revealed that she was a woman from biracial parents. For five decades, Micah’s African American mother has remained silent about Micah’s estranged father (Sidney Irving). It is not until after Sidney Irving’s death that Micah learns that she is the daughter of the legendary novelist and screenwriter. Now with her mother’s memory fading away from Alzheimer’s disease, Micah can only rely on a novel that was written from her father years ago to understand her parents past during the time of segregation in the United States. Micah’s once simple life is not so simple anymore as she tries to make sense of an unfamiliar world as she inherits her father’s wealth and private past. With an abandoned heart, Micah must forgive the past in order to discover who she really is.
Though there are no twists or surprises in this book, when compared to novels dependent on shocking the reader, The credo of the book (and of Catherine’s humanistic glow) is absorbed form the following passage: “Life has been interesting. I am the child of a white father and an African-American mother. They were separated before my birth by a community that embraced ideas of prejudice and hate. The ignorance of others cost them a lifetime of happiness together. They couldn’t live or raise their only child as a family because society didn’t allow them to do so. An injustice like that makes me angry. It makes me question our values and ethics. I often wonder what is more powerful; love or forgiveness. And through my parents, I have learnt that it is both. Love is forgiveness. Today, I’m no longer Sidney Irving’s estranged daughter, but his only daughter, who not only cherishes the man that he was but the man whom he wanted to be. Regardless of the color of my skin, or what others may think of me, there will always be a piece of Sidney Irving with me. He lives on in me.”
A worthy, sensitive book by an author of significance.
June 27, 2016
Micah (10, African-American, aka half-baked or Graham cracker) lived with Wade (step-father), Loretta (African-American, mom, aka Lisa), & Valerie (Micah’s younger ½ sister).
Kids picked on her & called her names because of her different skin pigmentation.
Nathan “Nate” (retired Navy Seal, intelligence officer) worked at Havre de Grace Estate as a handyman & often visited with Sidney Michel Irving (84, novelist/screenwriter).
Kris Angles (Sidney’s estate attorney, Angles & Windsor) came to see Sidney also.
What was in Sydney’s past?
Fast forward several yrs. Micah Winters (50+, university graduate, former magazine editor) owned/operated a bakery Crème.
Bridget & Liam worked for her.
Micah was going to make a wedding cake for Claire (20+, bride) & Grayson (20+, groom).
Loretta (Micah’s mom, Alzheimer’s) was in the Rosedale nursing home (# 29), & Wade (Micah’s step-father) had passed away 3 yrs. ago.
Professor Valerie (PhD) taught Geology at the University of Pennsylvania.
Kris later contacted Micah, they met & he went over Sidney’s will.
The monetary holdings, royalties & rights to his published work go to Habitat for Humanity, the NAACP, & the ACLU.
Sidney had also donated money for construction/building of children’s schools & hospitals.
The Havre de Grace Estate ($6.5 million), & the rights to Daisies for Lisa (novel) go to her.
Micah made her 1st. appearance at the estate where she met Nate.
Micah checked out a copy of Daisies for Lisa (1969) & was continually reading it.
Who is Roy the mysterious person that is sending flowers to Loretta once a month?
Micah took Loretta to Sydney’s funeral.
Steve (landlord) gave Micah the bad news, a safety inspector was closing the place down; faulty electrical wiring.
What did Roy (retired engineer, wife died, diabetes, 3 children, 5 grandchildren) reveal to Micah that he planned on doing a long time ago?
Micah was now headed to Inner Harbor (historic seaport).
What did Gloria Irving-Porter (Sidney’s sister, mom) & Carter Irving (Gloria’s son/Sidney’s nephew) come to discuss with Micah.
What is Micah’s future?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written romantic book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romance movie, or a mini TV series. I just cannot say enough about this fabulous book. 2016 top 10 list. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Story Cartel; Chamomile Books LLC; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Kids picked on her & called her names because of her different skin pigmentation.
Nathan “Nate” (retired Navy Seal, intelligence officer) worked at Havre de Grace Estate as a handyman & often visited with Sidney Michel Irving (84, novelist/screenwriter).
Kris Angles (Sidney’s estate attorney, Angles & Windsor) came to see Sidney also.
What was in Sydney’s past?
Fast forward several yrs. Micah Winters (50+, university graduate, former magazine editor) owned/operated a bakery Crème.
Bridget & Liam worked for her.
Micah was going to make a wedding cake for Claire (20+, bride) & Grayson (20+, groom).
Loretta (Micah’s mom, Alzheimer’s) was in the Rosedale nursing home (# 29), & Wade (Micah’s step-father) had passed away 3 yrs. ago.
Professor Valerie (PhD) taught Geology at the University of Pennsylvania.
Kris later contacted Micah, they met & he went over Sidney’s will.
The monetary holdings, royalties & rights to his published work go to Habitat for Humanity, the NAACP, & the ACLU.
Sidney had also donated money for construction/building of children’s schools & hospitals.
The Havre de Grace Estate ($6.5 million), & the rights to Daisies for Lisa (novel) go to her.
Micah made her 1st. appearance at the estate where she met Nate.
Micah checked out a copy of Daisies for Lisa (1969) & was continually reading it.
Who is Roy the mysterious person that is sending flowers to Loretta once a month?
Micah took Loretta to Sydney’s funeral.
Steve (landlord) gave Micah the bad news, a safety inspector was closing the place down; faulty electrical wiring.
What did Roy (retired engineer, wife died, diabetes, 3 children, 5 grandchildren) reveal to Micah that he planned on doing a long time ago?
Micah was now headed to Inner Harbor (historic seaport).
What did Gloria Irving-Porter (Sidney’s sister, mom) & Carter Irving (Gloria’s son/Sidney’s nephew) come to discuss with Micah.
What is Micah’s future?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written romantic book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romance movie, or a mini TV series. I just cannot say enough about this fabulous book. 2016 top 10 list. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Story Cartel; Chamomile Books LLC; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 5, 2018
The story is based on Micah Winters who already felt a little different growing up as her skin was not as dark as that of her African American mother, step-father and sister. Micah is now about fifty and running a successful bakery Crème in Baltimore when she is contacted by a lawyer. He’s tells Micah that her biological father has died and that Micah is a beneficiary in his will. Micah had no knowledge previously of her biological father so it stunned to discover that he was a famous novelist and screenwriter who owned a twenty acre estate Havre de Grace, Maryland. Micah’s mother, Loretta, is still alive but living in a care home with dementia so is not able to help Micah piece her past together. But there are many other characters who enter the story who are able to help Micah discover the story of her past and the romance of her mother and father which was frowned upon at the time due their differing skin colours.
I thought it had a good plot with enough twists to keep me interested and wanting to know the ending. It all felt a little rushed and a bit like a first draft – not helped by inconsistencies in names at times – Ruddy v Rudy – and some grammar anomalies. There were also certain parts where I had to suspend belief. For instance, Micah seemed to carry on working at her bakery without her staff knowing of what had happened despite the story of her father and his estranged daughter being in the newspapers naming her. And on another occasion someone was in the bakery talking to Micah about the situation while a staff member was present. I also found the section about codes and ‘just happening to realise’ quite contrived – but no worse than often happens on TV detective programmes.
I felt the book could improve with some tidying up and more depth on the characterisations but all things considered it was a great read.
I thought it had a good plot with enough twists to keep me interested and wanting to know the ending. It all felt a little rushed and a bit like a first draft – not helped by inconsistencies in names at times – Ruddy v Rudy – and some grammar anomalies. There were also certain parts where I had to suspend belief. For instance, Micah seemed to carry on working at her bakery without her staff knowing of what had happened despite the story of her father and his estranged daughter being in the newspapers naming her. And on another occasion someone was in the bakery talking to Micah about the situation while a staff member was present. I also found the section about codes and ‘just happening to realise’ quite contrived – but no worse than often happens on TV detective programmes.
I felt the book could improve with some tidying up and more depth on the characterisations but all things considered it was a great read.
August 12, 2016
First of all, I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Secondly, I couldn't finish reading the book because of multiple errors. I gave up a little more than halfway through.
I gave this book three stars because the story was actually engaging. Micah has been left a large estate in her father's will. The problem is that she has never met her father. He is a white man, and her mother is a black woman. Micah has struggled with this her entire life, especially with not knowing her father.
If I could have continued reading the book, I would have loved to be able to find out what decision she made in regards to the lavish home her father willed to her. There were just way too many problems with the book. The author changed verb tense frequently from past to present and vice versa, often in the same paragraph, and occasionally within a sentence. She also used frequent commas, often after the first word in a sentence or even scattered throughout the sentence where there was no need to have them. She also uses semicolons in place of commas or vice versa. There were a few places I found a statement that contradicted an explanation or event from earlier in the book. Finally, the dialogue was very stilted and formal in some places and very casual in others, sometimes within the same paragraph.
This book really needs a good editor, or at least a proofreader. If it weren't for all of the problems with the book, it would have been an enjoyable reading experience, but unless the author does a revision and corrects the problems, it's not worth buying. I just can't recommend a product this badly flawed.
I have given the most honest review that I can. I'm sorry that it can't be better.
I gave this book three stars because the story was actually engaging. Micah has been left a large estate in her father's will. The problem is that she has never met her father. He is a white man, and her mother is a black woman. Micah has struggled with this her entire life, especially with not knowing her father.
If I could have continued reading the book, I would have loved to be able to find out what decision she made in regards to the lavish home her father willed to her. There were just way too many problems with the book. The author changed verb tense frequently from past to present and vice versa, often in the same paragraph, and occasionally within a sentence. She also used frequent commas, often after the first word in a sentence or even scattered throughout the sentence where there was no need to have them. She also uses semicolons in place of commas or vice versa. There were a few places I found a statement that contradicted an explanation or event from earlier in the book. Finally, the dialogue was very stilted and formal in some places and very casual in others, sometimes within the same paragraph.
This book really needs a good editor, or at least a proofreader. If it weren't for all of the problems with the book, it would have been an enjoyable reading experience, but unless the author does a revision and corrects the problems, it's not worth buying. I just can't recommend a product this badly flawed.
I have given the most honest review that I can. I'm sorry that it can't be better.
July 18, 2016
“In Black & White”, written by Catherine Lavender, follows the story of Micah as her life is turned upside down at the death of her biological father, a man she never knew. After spending all her life convinced that her father had abandoned her mother, Micah soon discovers that there is more to it. Micah was the result of a romance between two star-crossed lovers who could never have the future they yearned for as interracial relationships were strictly forbidden in the 20th century. Little by little, the reader finds out the details of their separation at the same time that Micah is torn between selling her father’s estate or accepting it as her new home.
Although it is a fairly short novel, the writing seemed to drag on at some parts, especially in the beginning. Additionally, some punctuation errors and the frequent alterations in tense (from past tense to present tense) in the same paragraph degraded the reading experience.
Nevertheless, “In Black & White” is still an interesting novel that combines a beautiful tale of a forbidden love with a contemporary romance between two people in their fifties. I enjoyed watching Micah as she came to terms with her past and, by the end of the book, the plot also thickens and becomes more intriguing, compelling the reader to keep turning the pages. The unexpected twist as the mystery is solved and the warm, happy ending make it worth it.
Although it is a fairly short novel, the writing seemed to drag on at some parts, especially in the beginning. Additionally, some punctuation errors and the frequent alterations in tense (from past tense to present tense) in the same paragraph degraded the reading experience.
Nevertheless, “In Black & White” is still an interesting novel that combines a beautiful tale of a forbidden love with a contemporary romance between two people in their fifties. I enjoyed watching Micah as she came to terms with her past and, by the end of the book, the plot also thickens and becomes more intriguing, compelling the reader to keep turning the pages. The unexpected twist as the mystery is solved and the warm, happy ending make it worth it.
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